Mathematics at Wells College

New York's mathematics bachelor's programs cluster tightly around $45,000-$46,000 in first-year earnings, which is where Wells College's comparable programs suggest graduates typically land. The estimated $21,697 in debt falls right in line with state and national medians for math degrees, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47—meaning debt equals roughly half a year's salary. That's a workable starting point, though it's worth noting that top math programs in the state see graduates earning $80,000 or more right out of the gate at places like Cornell and RPI.

The challenge here is uncertainty. With nearly half of Wells students receiving Pell grants, the program serves many students seeking economic mobility through a STEM degree. But because the actual outcomes for Wells math graduates aren't reported due to small class sizes, you're projecting from what similar small colleges in New York typically produce. Mathematics degrees generally lead to diverse career paths—teaching, finance, tech, graduate school—and starting salaries can vary dramatically depending on which direction your child pursues.

The estimated numbers suggest a reasonable investment if your child is committed to leveraging the degree strategically. The debt load won't be crushing, but the earnings potential depends heavily on what comes after graduation. Without knowing Wells' specific track record in math placement, you're betting on your child's ability to match or exceed what peer programs achieve.