Applied Mathematics at Viterbo University

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 is manageable territory for a STEM degree, though with both figures estimated from peer programs nationally, there's significant uncertainty about what Viterbo's applied mathematics graduates actually experience. The estimated $60,930 first-year earnings sits right at the national median for this degree but falls notably short of Wisconsin's typical $67,159—a $6,200 gap that suggests graduates might face a regional disadvantage. With seven Wisconsin schools offering this program, the state benchmark represents real local competition, and University of Wisconsin-Stout's reported outcomes at $67,159 show what Wisconsin employers actually pay for this credential.

The estimated $25,421 debt load exceeds both national and state medians by about $4,000, which isn't catastrophic but does erode the value proposition when paired with below-state-average earnings potential. For context, similar programs nationally carry around $21,393 in debt, so you'd be starting roughly 20% deeper in the hole. The math still works—the debt represents less than half a year's salary—but the combination of higher debt and lower earnings compared to state peers creates a tighter financial picture than you'd find at other Wisconsin institutions.

If your child is drawn to Viterbo specifically for fit or location, the fundamentals aren't alarming. But given the uncertainty in these estimates and the documented better outcomes at UW-Stout, you'd want compelling non-financial reasons to choose this program over state alternatives with proven track records.