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
Earnings Distribution
How William & Mary graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| William & Mary | $60,494 | $91,943 | +52% |
| University of Virginia-Main Campus | $60,784 | $99,961 | +64% |
| James Madison University | $58,810 | $74,140 | +26% |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | $43,784 | $69,910 | +60% |
| George Mason University | $54,711 | $69,186 | +26% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (39 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $25,040 | $60,494 | $91,943 | $20,750 | 0.34 | |
| $14,559 | $61,247 | $60,523 | $24,475 | 0.40 | |
| $20,986 | $60,784 | $99,961 | $19,500 | 0.32 | |
| $13,576 | $58,810 | $74,140 | $20,876 | 0.35 | |
| $15,478 | $55,731 | $61,470 | $23,250 | 0.42 | |
| $13,815 | $54,711 | $69,186 | $24,000 | 0.44 | |
| National Median | — | $48,772 | — | $21,500 | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mathematics graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other
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.