Mathematics and Statistics at William Jewell College

A debt load of $21,250 against first-year earnings near $59,000 creates a manageable 0.36 ratio—well within the threshold that makes monthly payments workable. What's challenging here is that both figures come from national peer programs rather than William Jewell's specific outcomes, so you're essentially betting that this selective liberal arts college (with a 34% admission rate) delivers results comparable to the national median for math and statistics bachelor's programs. That's not an unreasonable assumption given the school's profile, but it does mean less certainty than you'd have with actual graduate data.

The field itself shows strong fundamentals nationally—math and statistics degrees consistently produce solid starting salaries, and the technical skills transfer well across industries. Similar programs suggest graduates enter roles in data analysis, actuarial work, or finance where demand remains steady. The $21,250 debt estimate aligns closely with the national median of $21,750 for this degree, indicating William Jewell likely keeps borrowing in check despite being a private institution.

The practical decision hinges on whether the small-college experience and individual attention justify paying private-school tuition when you can't verify the specific return. If your child thrives in that environment and the actual cost after aid approaches what these debt estimates suggest, the numbers work. But confirm the net price carefully—these estimates assume manageable borrowing, and that only holds if financial aid brings the annual cost down substantially from the sticker price.