Mathematics at Willamette University

A $21,750 debt load for a bachelor's degree is manageable by most standards, landing right at the national median for math programs. The challenge here is what comes after graduation. Based on four comparable math programs across Oregon, first-year earnings hover around $41,300—roughly $7,500 below what math graduates typically earn nationally. That gap matters when you're trying to establish financial footing after college.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53 suggests graduates could realistically pay off loans within a few years, but context is everything. Oregon State's math program, for instance, shows graduates earning closer to $45,000 in their first year out—a difference of nearly $4,000 annually that compounds over time. Willamette's smaller program size (hence the estimated figures) might mean tighter alumni networks or fewer on-campus recruiting pipelines, though it could also reflect a cohort pursuing graduate study or non-traditional career paths where initial earnings understate long-term value.

For families weighing this investment, the key question is whether Willamette's liberal arts environment and smaller class sizes justify starting potentially $3,700 behind peers at larger Oregon institutions. The debt is reasonable, but the earnings picture suggests your student would need a clear plan—whether that's graduate school, a specific career track, or leveraging Willamette's Portland-area connections—to close that gap quickly.