Analysis
A math degree from Wayne State College appears positioned around national norms, with estimated first-year earnings of $48,772 and debt of $21,498βa manageable 0.44 ratio that's better than many bachelor's programs. However, these figures come from national peer programs rather than Wayne State's actual graduates, and the Nebraska landscape suggests there's more variation in math outcomes than these averages reveal. Programs across the state show a wide spread, with the University of Nebraska at Omaha producing first-year earnings around $59,000 while UNL sits closer to $43,000.
The debt load seems reasonable for a Nebraska public school, roughly matching the state median of $22,665. What matters more is whether Wayne State's math program prepares students for the higher-earning opportunities that clearly exist in the state, or whether graduates land closer to the lower end of that range. Teaching positions, actuarial work, and data analysis roles in Nebraska can command solid salaries, but access to these paths varies considerably by program network and preparation quality.
For families evaluating this investment, the key question is whether Wayne State's specific program outcomes align with these national estimates or track closer to the state's top performers. Without actual graduate data, you're betting on proximity to the average. If your student is considering teaching or staying in rural Nebraska, this debt level won't be crippling. For higher-earning math careers, investigate where recent graduates have actually landedβthat placement record matters more than these peer-based projections.
Where Wayne State College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Nebraska
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Nebraska (16 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $7,970 | $48,772* | β | $21,498* | β | |
| $8,370 | $58,995* | β | $26,069* | 0.44 | |
| $10,108 | $43,225* | $63,798 | $19,261* | 0.45 | |
| National Median | β | $48,772* | β | $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 Wayne State College, approximately 27% 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 national median of 253 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.