Applied Mathematics at Wilson College

Pennsylvania's applied mathematics programs cluster tightly around $58,000 in first-year earnings, and Wilson's estimated outcomes sit right at that state median—neither a bargain nor a red flag. With estimated debt of $25,421, you're looking at roughly five months of gross income to repay loans, which falls within manageable territory for a STEM field. Peer programs nationally carry slightly lower debt ($21,393 median) while producing modestly higher earnings ($60,930), but the gap isn't dramatic enough to dismiss Wilson outright.

The bigger consideration here is what drives those earnings: applied mathematics graduates typically enter data analysis, actuarial work, or software development roles where employer and location matter as much as the degree itself. Wilson's 90% admission rate and modest SAT profile suggest you're not paying for elite academic sorting—you're paying for the credential and whatever career support comes with it. If your student can leverage internships and build technical skills (Python, R, statistical modeling), these salary estimates become achievable. Without that practical experience, a math degree alone may not command these figures.

The unknowns here are substantial since we're working entirely from comparable programs rather than Wilson's actual track record. Before committing, push the school hard on placement rates, employer connections in Pittsburgh or Philadelphia, and whether graduates actually land quantitative roles versus general business positions. At this debt level, the program needs to deliver genuine technical training, not just coursework.