Analysis
Virginia's mathematics bachelor's programs typically place graduates around $57,000 in first-year earnings, and similar programs at this institution type suggest debt near $22,000—a manageable 38% debt-to-earnings ratio that compares favorably to many undergraduate options. For a math degree, these estimated figures put VUU's program in solid territory, matching the state median and exceeding the national benchmark by nearly $9,000. The affordability angle matters here: while top Virginia programs like UMary Washington and UVA report slightly higher earnings ($61,000-$60,000 range), the difference isn't dramatic enough to justify significantly higher costs if they exist.
What deserves attention is the context around these estimates. With a 98% admission rate and average SAT of 860, VUU serves a different population than the state's flagship universities—many students are first-generation college-goers (51% receive Pell grants). The real question is whether this specific cohort achieves outcomes similar to peer programs, and we simply don't have that data. Mathematics degrees generally offer strong employment prospects, but execution varies widely by program rigor and student preparation.
The practical takeaway: if your child is considering VUU specifically, ask the department directly about recent graduate outcomes, employer connections, and graduate school placement. The estimated numbers suggest reasonable value, but you need actual evidence that this particular program delivers on math's typical career promise.
Where Virginia Union University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (39 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $14,880 | $57,271* | — | $21,750* | — | |
| $14,559 | $61,247* | $60,523 | $24,475* | 0.40 | |
| $20,986 | $60,784* | $99,961 | $19,500* | 0.32 | |
| $25,040 | $60,494* | $91,943 | $20,750* | 0.34 | |
| $13,576 | $58,810* | $74,140 | $20,876* | 0.35 | |
| $15,478 | $55,731* | $61,470 | $23,250* | 0.42 | |
| 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 Virginia Union University, approximately 51% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 8 similar programs in VA. Actual outcomes may vary.