Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.
Analysis
Similar math programs in Massachusetts suggest first-year earnings around $61,761 for WPI graduates, which would position this program squarely at the state median—a solid outcome, but notably below the state's elite tier where MIT and Tufts graduates earn above $100,000. The $19,500 in typical debt is manageable with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32, meaning graduates would owe roughly a third of their first-year salary.
What's challenging here is the uncertainty. While Massachusetts math programs show a wide earnings range—from the state median to nearly double that at top institutions—we don't know where WPI's actual graduates land within that spectrum. The school's 59% admission rate and strong STEM reputation suggest it falls somewhere in the middle pack, but comparable programs produce vastly different outcomes. A WPI math degree could reasonably lead to software engineering roles paying well above the median, or to teaching positions paying below it.
The debt picture is reasonable enough that this becomes a question of where WPI's specific reputation and career services place graduates in the Massachusetts job market. If your student is considering this program, push the school for actual placement data—what percentage of math graduates go into industry versus graduate school, and what their specific employers are. Those details matter more than statewide averages when you're making a $19,500 bet.
Where Worcester Polytechnic Institute Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (44 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Worcester Polytechnic InstituteWorcester | $59,070 | $61,761* | — | $19,500 | — |
 Tufts UniversityMedford | $67,844 | $110,512* | — | $17,750 | 0.16 |
 Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge | $60,156 | $109,288* | $180,882 | $10,003 | 0.09 |
 Amherst CollegeAmherst | $67,280 | $78,500* | $109,199 | $14,745 | 0.19 |
 Northeastern UniversityBoston | $63,141 | $76,392* | $90,232 | $21,750 | 0.28 |
 Bentley UniversityWaltham | $58,150 | $74,737* | — | $19,334 | 0.26 |
| 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
Explore Related Programs
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 Worcester Polytechnic Institute, approximately 10% 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 15 similar programs in MA. Actual outcomes may vary.