Mathematics at Webster University

Is a mathematics degree worth roughly $22,000 in debt when peer programs in Missouri suggest first-year earnings around $52,000? The 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio looks manageable—you'd be borrowing less than half a year's salary, which is about middle-of-the-road for bachelor's programs. Keep in mind these figures come from other Missouri math programs, not Webster's actual graduates, but they align closely with the national median of $48,772, suggesting they're a reasonable benchmark.

What complicates the picture is the range of outcomes across Missouri's math programs. Washington University graduates reportedly earn $79,799 in their first year, while University of Missouri-St. Louis graduates start around $31,856. Webster's estimated $52,000 sits right in the middle, but without actual data from this specific program, you can't know whether Webster's mathematics graduates trend toward the higher or lower end of that spectrum. The school's 58% admission rate and 1145 average SAT suggest a solid mid-tier institution, but that doesn't tell you about job placement or the quality of the math curriculum specifically.

The debt level appears reasonable if the earnings estimate holds, but you're making an investment decision based on what comparable programs produce rather than Webster's track record. Before committing, try to contact the math department directly about where their recent graduates have landed—actual employment outcomes would give you far better footing than statewide averages.