Mathematics at Western Washington University

Western Washington University's Mathematics degree produces some of the weakest first-year outcomes in Washington state—ranking in just the 10th percentile among the state's 17 programs—but then something remarkable happens. Earnings surge 184% by year four, reaching $65,171 and ultimately surpassing every other program in the state, including University of Washington-Seattle. That dramatic rebound suggests graduates may be entering the workforce in lower-paying positions (teaching assistants, tutoring roles, or continued education) before transitioning into more lucrative careers in tech, data science, or advanced teaching positions where mathematics degrees command premium salaries.

The $21,498 debt load is perfectly aligned with state and national medians, making this affordable even during that challenging first year. The real question for parents is whether their child can weather that initial period when earnings barely reach $23,000—less than half what typical math graduates earn nationally right out of college. Families need a financial cushion or plan for that first year.

If your student is committed to teaching or planning graduate work, that first-year figure makes sense and the eventual payoff is strong. But if they're expecting immediate tech-sector earnings, they should understand they'll likely be starting significantly behind peers at UW or Seattle University, even if they eventually catch up and pass them. The degree works, but the timeline matters.