Mathematics at Washington & Jefferson College

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53 places this program in manageable territory—based on comparable mathematics programs across Pennsylvania, graduates typically carry about $26,000 in debt against first-year earnings around $49,000. That's close to the national median for math bachelor's degrees ($48,772), though it falls well short of what stronger programs in the state achieve. Villanova and Swarthmore mathematics graduates earn 50% more right out of the gate, while even regional competitors like Duquesne show slightly higher returns.

The estimation here matters because it reflects limited graduate data—Washington & Jefferson's math program may be small or produce variable outcomes that the federal government can't safely publish. Similar programs in Pennsylvania suggest this debt burden is typical for private colleges in the state, but the earnings figure leaves little room for surprises. Mathematics degrees usually offer solid career flexibility, but starting at $49,000 requires discipline to manage nearly $26,000 in loans without straining finances.

For families weighing this investment, the key question is whether W&J's environment justifies paying private-college debt for middle-of-the-pack returns. If your student thrives in smaller settings and has secured merit aid that brings debt below $20,000, the math works better. Without that discount, Pennsylvania's larger universities deliver comparable or superior outcomes at potentially lower cost.