Analysis
The estimated $27,000 debt load for Wisconsin Lutheran's mathematics program sits noticeably above what similar programs in the state typically carry—about $3,400 more than the Wisconsin median for bachelor's math degrees. Combined with estimated first-year earnings around $50,285, you're looking at a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54, which is manageable but not exceptional. That ratio means your child would owe roughly half their first year's salary, and while plenty of graduates navigate that successfully, the elevated borrowing costs make this path less forgiving than lower-debt alternatives.
Based on comparable programs statewide, these earnings sit right at Wisconsin's median for math majors. That's adequate but unremarkable—especially when you consider that UW-Madison math graduates reportedly earn $67,744 and even UW-Milwaukee reports $56,284. The estimates here suggest your child would be borrowing more while earning in line with the state average, not above it. For a private college experience, that's a tradeoff worth scrutinizing carefully.
If Wisconsin Lutheran offers something distinctive—close mentorship, a faith-centered environment, or connections your child genuinely values—the financial picture won't disqualify it. But purely on estimated returns, this program appears positioned in the middle of Wisconsin's math offerings while carrying above-average debt. Before committing, confirm whether the actual aid package brings that debt figure down and whether this school's specific placement outcomes justify the premium over more affordable state options.
Where Wisconsin Lutheran College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (30 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $35,080 | $50,285* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $11,205 | $67,744* | $83,357 | $20,500* | 0.30 | |
| $10,020 | $56,284* | $71,400 | $27,000* | 0.48 | |
| $44,432 | $52,644* | — | $27,000* | 0.51 | |
| $36,500 | $52,593* | $60,583 | $27,000* | 0.51 | |
| $8,250 | $50,285* | $53,677 | $22,248* | 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 Wisconsin Lutheran College, approximately 25% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 9 similar programs in WI. Actual outcomes may vary.