Analysis
Vanderbilt's math program produces extraordinary outcomes that dwarf both national and Tennessee standards. At $103,812 one year out, graduates earn more than double the national median for math majors and twice what typical Tennessee math graduates make. With just $10,000 in median debt—less than half the state average—the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.10 means graduates could theoretically pay off loans in about five weeks of work. This places the program in the 95th percentile both nationally and within Tennessee for earnings while maintaining among the lowest debt loads in the state.
The earnings trajectory reinforces this advantage: four-year earnings reach $125,955, showing sustained 21% growth rather than plateauing. For context, this exceeds even the University of Memphis (typically Tennessee's highest-earning math program) by $68,000 at the one-year mark. The moderate sample size of 30-100 graduates provides reasonable confidence in these outcomes, though results will vary by individual career path.
The 6% admission rate means getting in is the real barrier here, not whether the investment pays off. For families who can manage Vanderbilt's sticker price or qualify for aid, this represents one of the strongest mathematics programs in the country from a pure return-on-investment perspective. The combination of elite earnings and minimal debt creates unusual financial flexibility immediately after graduation.
Where Vanderbilt University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Vanderbilt University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vanderbilt University | $103,812 | $125,955 | +21% |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $109,288 | $180,882 | +66% |
| Cornell University | $87,251 | $127,962 | +47% |
| Middle Tennessee State University | $45,184 | $52,689 | +17% |
| The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | $39,043 | $45,382 | +16% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (34 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Vanderbilt UniversityNashville | $63,946 | $103,812 | $125,955 | $10,000 | 0.10 |
 University of MemphisMemphis | $10,344 | $57,310 | — | $24,125 | 0.42 |
 Middle Tennessee State UniversityMurfreesboro | $9,506 | $45,184 | $52,689 | $18,750 | 0.41 |
 The University of Tennessee-KnoxvilleKnoxville | $13,484 | $39,043 | $45,382 | $25,000 | 0.64 |
| National Median | — | $48,772 | — | $21,500 | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mathematics graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Vanderbilt University, approximately 19% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 44 graduates with reported earnings and 29 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.