Analysis
Connecticut's applied mathematics programs cluster tightly around $62,000 in first-year earnings—a figure that puts graduates within striking distance of the national 75th percentile from day one. Based on comparable programs across the state, Western Connecticut's bachelor's suggests starting pay that exceeds the national median, though the estimated $26,000 debt load runs about $5,000 higher than the typical applied math graduate carries nationwide.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 remains manageable—graduates would dedicate less than half their first-year salary to their education debt. For context, this sits in reasonable territory for a STEM field where earnings typically grow substantially beyond year one. The higher debt compared to national peers reflects Connecticut's cost structure more than program weakness, and the strong starting salary helps offset that gap.
Western Connecticut serves a largely in-state population (81% admission rate, 35% Pell-eligible), making it an accessible option for Connecticut families seeking a quantitative degree. The challenge is that we're working from state-level estimates here rather than program-specific outcomes. If your student thrives in math and plans to stay in the Northeast where these skills command premium pay, the numbers work. Just recognize you're betting on this program tracking with state peers—a reasonable assumption for applied mathematics, but not a guarantee backed by this school's actual graduate data.
Where Western Connecticut State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all applied mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Connecticut
Applied Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Connecticut (11 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Western Connecticut State UniversityDanbury | $12,763 | $61,741* | — | $26,157* | — |
 University of ConnecticutStorrs | $20,366 | $61,741* | — | $26,157* | 0.42 |
 University of Connecticut-Waterbury CampusWaterbury | $17,462 | $61,741* | — | $26,157* | 0.42 |
 University of Connecticut-Avery PointGroton | $17,462 | $61,741* | — | $26,157* | 0.42 |
 University of Connecticut-StamfordStamford | $17,472 | $61,741* | — | $26,157* | 0.42 |
 University of Connecticut-Hartford CampusHartford | $17,452 | $61,741* | — | $26,157* | 0.42 |
| National Median | — | $60,930* | — | $21,393* | 0.35 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with applied mathematics graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Actuaries
Economists
Environmental Economists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
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 Western Connecticut State University, approximately 35% 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 median of 5 similar programs in CT. Actual outcomes may vary.