Mathematics at William & Mary
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
William & Mary's mathematics graduates earn substantially more than the typical math major nationally—$60,494 versus $48,772 in the first year—though results sit closer to Virginia's median of $57,270. The program clusters with UVA and James Madison near the top of Virginia's math programs, trailing only Mary Washington by a narrow margin. With debt of $20,750 (below both state and national averages), graduates start with a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34, meaning they owe just over a third of their first-year salary.
What makes this data particularly compelling is the earnings trajectory: salaries jump 52% by year four, reaching nearly $92,000. That growth rate significantly outpaces typical math programs and suggests graduates are landing roles with clear advancement potential—whether in tech, finance, data science, or graduate programs that lead to higher-paying careers. The college's strong academic reputation (33% admission rate, 1458 average SAT) likely helps graduates compete for these opportunities.
The caveat: this analysis relies on fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes can swing these numbers considerably. If your child is considering William & Mary for math, the combination of reasonable debt, strong starting salaries, and exceptional earnings growth looks promising—but recognize you're looking at a snapshot that may not perfectly predict future results.
Where William & Mary Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How William & Mary graduates compare to all programs nationally
William & Mary graduates earn $60k, placing them in the 84th percentile of all mathematics bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (39 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| William & Mary | $60,494 | $91,943 | $20,750 | 0.34 |
| University of Mary Washington | $61,247 | $60,523 | $24,475 | 0.40 |
| University of Virginia-Main Campus | $60,784 | $99,961 | $19,500 | 0.32 |
| James Madison University | $58,810 | $74,140 | $20,876 | 0.35 |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | $55,731 | $61,470 | $23,250 | 0.42 |
| George Mason University | $54,711 | $69,186 | $24,000 | 0.44 |
| National Median | $48,772 | — | $21,500 | 0.44 |
Other Mathematics Programs in Virginia
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Virginia schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Mary Washington Fredericksburg | $14,559 | $61,247 | $24,475 |
| University of Virginia-Main Campus Charlottesville | $20,986 | $60,784 | $19,500 |
| James Madison University Harrisonburg | $13,576 | $58,810 | $20,876 |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg | $15,478 | $55,731 | $23,250 |
| George Mason University Fairfax | $13,815 | $54,711 | $24,000 |
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 William & Mary, approximately 12% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 23 graduates with reported earnings and 30 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.