2026 Best Value Applied Mathematics Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Applied Mathematics doctoral degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 417 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Grad Degree evaluated schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Applied Mathematics Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Leading the list is Cornell University, our #1 best-value Applied Mathematics school in the United States. Based in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,314. The median Applied Mathematics program debt is $15,005. Graduates go on to earn a median of $104,043 ten years after entry. Set against $15,005 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Cornell University report
A rank of #2 makes Michigan Technological University one of the best values in the United States. Set in Houghton, MI, Michigan Technological University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $20,532, while out-of-state students pay about $44,807. Michigan Technological University Applied Mathematics students take on a median of $25,800 in debt. Median earnings reach $78,198 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Michigan Technological University has an acceptance rate of 92%. Get the full Michigan Technological University report
Out of the 417 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #3 spot. This public school is set in Austin, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Graduates carry a median of $21,275 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,121 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At Austin admits about 27% of applicants. More on The University Of Texas At Austin
Out of the 417 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, South Dakota State University landed the #4 spot. Set in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,299, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. Graduates carry a median of $24,989 in student loans. Median earnings reach $55,070 ten years out. Set against $24,989 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. Get the full South Dakota State University report
You'll get strong value at Southern Methodist University, which ranked #5 this year. Southern Methodist University is a private not-for-profit school based in Dallas, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,040. Graduates carry a median of $20,712 in student loans. Southern Methodist University alumni report median earnings of $78,354 a decade after entry. Set against $20,712 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 63% of those who apply are admitted. More on Southern Methodist University
University Of California Berkeley placed #6 among the best-value Applied Mathematics schools in the United States. Located in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Typical Applied Mathematics student debt is $14,598. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,446 ten years after entry. Set against $14,598 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Berkeley admits about 11% of applicants. More on University Of California Berkeley
University Of Colorado Denver offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. This public school is set in Denver, CO. In-state tuition and fees average $10,383, while out-of-state students pay about $29,391. Typical Applied Mathematics student debt is $26,582. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,270. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Colorado Denver admits about 75% of applicants. More on University Of Colorado Denver
Iowa State University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Applied Mathematics schools. Based in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Students borrow a median of $23,495 to complete their Applied Mathematics program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,386. That is a strong return on a $23,495 median debt. Iowa State University has an acceptance rate of 89%. Get the full Iowa State University report
University Of Washington Seattle Campus ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Applied Mathematics schools. Based in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,481 to complete their Applied Mathematics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,466. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Washington Seattle Campus has an acceptance rate of 39%. Read more about University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Carnegie Mellon University landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Pittsburgh, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,636. Typical Applied Mathematics student debt is $23,529. Median earnings reach $114,862 ten years out. Set against $23,529 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Carnegie Mellon University has an acceptance rate of 12%. See the full Carnegie Mellon University profile
University Of Maryland Baltimore County landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Maryland Baltimore County is a public school based in Baltimore, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,256, while out-of-state students pay about $31,225. Graduates carry a median of $21,331 in student loans. Median earnings reach $69,960 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Maryland Baltimore County profile
Brown University placed #12 among the best-value Applied Mathematics schools in the United States. Located in Providence, RI, Brown University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $71,312. The median Applied Mathematics program debt is $10,000. Brown University alumni report median earnings of $93,487 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 5% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Brown University
North Carolina State University At Raleigh placed #12 among the best-value Applied Mathematics schools in the United States. Located in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,799, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,976 to complete their Applied Mathematics program here. North Carolina State University At Raleigh alumni report median earnings of $68,758 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Kent State University At Kent placed #14 among the best-value Applied Mathematics schools in the United States. Located in Kent, OH, Kent State University At Kent is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,220, with out-of-state students paying around $21,575. Students borrow a median of $25,174 to complete their Applied Mathematics program here. Kent State University At Kent alumni report median earnings of $45,388 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Kent State University At Kent
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Typical Applied Mathematics student debt is $20,778. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,054 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,778 median debt. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Harvard University placed #16 among the best-value Applied Mathematics schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cambridge, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,676. Harvard University Applied Mathematics students take on a median of $16,616 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $101,817. That is a strong return on a $16,616 median debt. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Harvard University
University Of Maryland College Park came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Set in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,809, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,836 in student loans. Median earnings reach $82,860 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Maryland College Park report
New York University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Applied Mathematics schools. New York University is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,796. Typical Applied Mathematics student debt is $21,897. New York University alumni report median earnings of $82,509 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on New York University
University Of Iowa ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Applied Mathematics schools. Based in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,283, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. The median Applied Mathematics program debt is $24,463. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,762. Set against $24,463 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%. Read more about University Of Iowa
University Of Alabama At Birmingham offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. University Of Alabama At Birmingham is a public school based in Birmingham, AL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,098, with out-of-state students paying around $22,562. Graduates carry a median of $26,162 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,501. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Alabama At Birmingham
Johns Hopkins University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Applied Mathematics schools. Based in Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,730. The median Applied Mathematics program debt is $13,426. Johns Hopkins University alumni report median earnings of $87,555 a decade after entry. Set against $13,426 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 6% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Johns Hopkins University
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Applied Mathematics schools. Located in Charlotte, NC, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,239, with out-of-state students paying around $22,492. The median Applied Mathematics program debt is $24,673. Median earnings reach $57,289 ten years out. Set against $24,673 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte admits about 80% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
Oakland University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. This public school is set in Rochester Hills, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $17,167, while out-of-state students pay about $24,735. The median Applied Mathematics program debt is $25,972. Median earnings reach $58,612 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,972 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Oakland University report
Colorado School Of Mines offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Set in Golden, CO, Colorado School Of Mines is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,914, while out-of-state students pay about $45,824. Colorado School Of Mines Applied Mathematics students take on a median of $21,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $97,335. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 61%. Read the full report on Colorado School Of Mines
Northwestern University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Located in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,322. Northwestern University Applied Mathematics students take on a median of $16,616 in debt. Median earnings reach $89,363 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 8%. Get the full Northwestern University report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Applied Mathematics Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Arizona State University came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Located in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. The median Applied Mathematics program debt is $17,681. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,681 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full Arizona State University profile
University Of Colorado Boulder placed #27 among the best-value Applied Mathematics schools in the United States. Set in Boulder, CO, University Of Colorado Boulder is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,214, with out-of-state students paying around $42,970. Graduates carry a median of $20,373 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,738. Set against $20,373 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Colorado Boulder report
University Of California Irvine ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Applied Mathematics schools. Located in Irvine, CA, University Of California Irvine is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,752, compared with $46,640 for out-of-state students. Typical Applied Mathematics student debt is $16,539. University Of California Irvine alumni report median earnings of $80,735 a decade after entry. Set against $16,539 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Irvine admits about 29% of applicants. Get the full University Of California Irvine report
Washington State University landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,391, with out-of-state students paying around $29,950. Graduates carry a median of $17,675 in student loans. Median earnings reach $68,905 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,675 median debt. Washington State University has an acceptance rate of 87%. More on Washington State University
University Of Arizona offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Set in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,573, compared with $39,903 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,861 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,979. Set against $21,861 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Arizona has an acceptance rate of 86%. See the full University Of Arizona profile
Michigan State University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in East Lansing, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $18,079, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. Typical Applied Mathematics student debt is $25,213. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,253. That is a strong return on a $25,213 median debt. Michigan State University admits about 85% of applicants. Read the full report on Michigan State University
University Of Missouri St Louis placed #31 among the best-value Applied Mathematics schools in the United States. Located in Saint Louis, MO, University Of Missouri St Louis is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,120, while out-of-state students pay about $37,620. The median Applied Mathematics program debt is $25,943. Median earnings reach $53,037 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 63% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Missouri St Louis
Middle Tennessee State University came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Set in Murfreesboro, TN, Middle Tennessee State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,266, compared with $31,574 for out-of-state students. The median Applied Mathematics program debt is $22,754. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,541. That is a strong return on a $22,754 median debt. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted. See the full Middle Tennessee State University profile
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Ann Arbor, MI, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,848 in tuition and fees, compared with $63,081 for out-of-state students. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor Applied Mathematics students take on a median of $19,137 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $83,648. That is a strong return on a $19,137 median debt. The acceptance rate is 16%. Read the full report on University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
University Of California Davis placed #35 among the best-value Applied Mathematics schools in the United States. Based in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,804, with out-of-state students paying around $47,692. Graduates carry a median of $14,750 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $80,838 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,750 median debt. The acceptance rate is 42%. See the full University Of California Davis profile
Stony Brook University offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Located in Stony Brook, NY, Stony Brook University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,931 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $32,741. The median Applied Mathematics program debt is $19,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,502. Set against $19,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 49%. See the full Stony Brook University profile
University Of Louisville ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Applied Mathematics schools. Based in Louisville, KY, University Of Louisville is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,136, with out-of-state students paying around $29,482. The median Applied Mathematics program debt is $21,910. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,899. Set against $21,910 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Louisville report
Old Dominion University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Applied Mathematics schools. Based in Norfolk, VA, Old Dominion University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,750, with out-of-state students paying around $33,780. Old Dominion University Applied Mathematics students take on a median of $26,001 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,914. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Old Dominion University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read more about Old Dominion University
Columbia University In The City Of New York placed #39 among the best-value Applied Mathematics schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. Students from in state pay about $70,517 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,258 to complete their Applied Mathematics program here. Median earnings reach $102,491 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,258 median debt. Columbia University In The City Of New York admits about 4% of applicants. Get the full Columbia University In The City Of New York report
University Of Southern California offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $71,647. The median Applied Mathematics program debt is $12,251. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,498. Set against $12,251 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 10% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Southern California
University Of New Hampshire Main Campus landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Durham, NH, University Of New Hampshire Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $19,202, while out-of-state students pay about $39,852. Graduates carry a median of $26,368 in student loans. University Of New Hampshire Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $66,479 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,368 median debt. University Of New Hampshire Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full University Of New Hampshire Main Campus report
University Of Oregon offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Located in Eugene, OR, University Of Oregon is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,320, while out-of-state students pay about $42,516. Graduates carry a median of $22,034 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,324 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,034 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on University Of Oregon
Boston University came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Based in Boston, MA, Boston University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,102. Students borrow a median of $25,232 to complete their Applied Mathematics program here. Median earnings reach $83,238 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,232 median debt. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted. More on Boston University
University Of California Merced landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of California Merced is a public school based in Merced, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,653, while out-of-state students pay about $46,541. University Of California Merced Applied Mathematics students take on a median of $16,497 in debt. Median earnings reach $64,368 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,497 median debt. University Of California Merced admits about 90% of applicants. See the full University Of California Merced profile
Cleveland State University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Read the full report on Cleveland State University
Depaul University placed #46 among the best-value Applied Mathematics schools in the United States. Read the full report on Depaul University
University Of Kentucky landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full University Of Kentucky report
University Of The Virgin Islands landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. More on University Of The Virgin Islands
Stonehill College placed #49 among the best-value Applied Mathematics schools in the United States. Get the full Stonehill College report
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus placed #50 among the best-value Applied Mathematics schools in the United States. See the full University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus profile
Related Applied Mathematics Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Applied Mathematics Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Applied Mathematics Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Applied Mathematics Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Applied Mathematics Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Applied Mathematics Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Applied Mathematics Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Applied Mathematics Master’s Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 417 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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