2026 Best Value Applied Mathematics Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Applied Mathematics master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 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 arm you with the information you need, Grad Degree reviewed schools to build 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 Master’s 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. Located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,314. Cornell University Applied Mathematics students take on a median of $15,005 in debt. Median earnings reach $104,043 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,005 median debt. The acceptance rate is 9%. More on Cornell University
Out of the 417 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Northern Illinois University landed the #2 spot. Located in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,060 in tuition and fees. Typical Applied Mathematics student debt is $25,209. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,808. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. More on Northern Illinois University
Out of the 417 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of Central Arkansas landed the #3 spot. Set in Conway, AR, University Of Central Arkansas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,523, with out-of-state students paying around $18,023. Students borrow a median of $22,920 to complete their Applied Mathematics program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,938. That is a strong return on a $22,920 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Central Arkansas profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Wisconsin Stout earned it the #4 place in the United States. Set in Menomonie, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stout is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,701, while out-of-state students pay about $19,265. Typical Applied Mathematics student debt is $21,000. University Of Wisconsin Stout alumni report median earnings of $58,084 a decade after entry. Set against $21,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Stout has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Stout report
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #5 on this year's best-value Applied Mathematics ranking in the United States. The University Of Texas At Austin is a public school based in Austin, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. The median Applied Mathematics program debt is $21,275. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,121. That is a strong return on a $21,275 median debt. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. See the full The University Of Texas At Austin profile
Northeastern University placed #7 among the best-value Applied Mathematics schools in the United States. Located in Boston, MA, Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $66,162. Students borrow a median of $25,611 to complete their Applied Mathematics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,538 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,611 median debt. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Northeastern University report
Montclair State University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,912, compared with $26,022 for out-of-state students. The median Applied Mathematics program debt is $25,286. Montclair State University alumni report median earnings of $61,415 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Montclair State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full Montclair State University report
Towson University offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Located in Towson, MD, Towson University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,728 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,820. The median Applied Mathematics program debt is $21,241. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,390 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Towson University profile
Villanova University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Applied Mathematics schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Villanova, PA. Students from in state pay about $67,776 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,184 to complete their Applied Mathematics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $100,423. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 27%. See the full Villanova University profile
University Of North Texas came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Denton, TX. Students from in state pay about $11,309 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. Students borrow a median of $21,817 to complete their Applied Mathematics program here. Median earnings reach $57,010 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,817 median debt. University Of North Texas has an acceptance rate of 72%. See the full University Of North Texas profile
Duquesne University offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, Duquesne University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $48,986. The median Applied Mathematics program debt is $26,297. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,742. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. More on Duquesne University
Southern Methodist University placed #13 among the best-value Applied Mathematics schools in the United States. Southern Methodist University is a private not-for-profit school based in Dallas, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $67,040. The median Applied Mathematics program debt is $20,712. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,354 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,712 median debt. About 63% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Southern Methodist University report
Depaul University offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Based in Chicago, IL, Depaul University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $45,405. Depaul University Applied Mathematics students take on a median of $25,310 in debt. Median earnings reach $68,751 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,310 median debt. Depaul University has an acceptance rate of 76%. Read more about Depaul University
University Of California Berkeley placed #15 among the best-value Applied Mathematics schools in the United States. Set in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,377 in tuition and fees, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. The median Applied Mathematics program debt is $14,598. Median earnings reach $92,446 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,598 median debt. The acceptance rate is 11%. More on University Of California Berkeley
University Of Virginia Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. This public school is set in Charlottesville, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $23,118, while out-of-state students pay about $61,591. Typical Applied Mathematics student debt is $18,627. University Of Virginia Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $86,863 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 17% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Virginia Main Campus report
Boston College landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Chestnut Hill, MA, Boston College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $70,702 in tuition and fees. Typical Applied Mathematics student debt is $18,101. Boston College alumni report median earnings of $103,937 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,101 median debt. Roughly 16% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Boston College
University Of Washington Seattle Campus placed #19 among the best-value Applied Mathematics schools in the United States. Based in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,973 in tuition and fees, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. The median Applied Mathematics program debt is $16,481. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,466 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Washington Seattle Campus admits about 39% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Massachusetts Institute Of Technology landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit school based in Cambridge, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,396. Graduates carry a median of $13,516 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $143,372. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 4%. Get the full Massachusetts Institute Of Technology report
New York University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Applied Mathematics schools. Set in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,796. Students borrow a median of $21,897 to complete their Applied Mathematics program here. New York University alumni report median earnings of $82,509 a decade after entry. Set against $21,897 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Get the full New York University report
University Of Chicago offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Located in Chicago, IL, University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,324. Graduates carry a median of $15,854 in student loans. University Of Chicago alumni report median earnings of $91,885 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Chicago
University Of Colorado Denver offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Set in Denver, CO, University Of Colorado Denver is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,383, while out-of-state students pay about $29,391. Students borrow a median of $26,582 to complete their Applied Mathematics program here. University Of Colorado Denver alumni report median earnings of $64,270 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,582 median debt. University Of Colorado Denver has an acceptance rate of 75%. Get the full University Of Colorado Denver report
University Of Akron Main Campus ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Applied Mathematics schools. Set in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,135, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,347 to complete their Applied Mathematics program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,600. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Akron Main Campus profile
University Of Maryland Baltimore County landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Baltimore, MD, University Of Maryland Baltimore County is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,256, while out-of-state students pay about $31,225. University Of Maryland Baltimore County Applied Mathematics students take on a median of $21,331 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,960. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. Read more about University Of Maryland Baltimore County
George Washington University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Applied Mathematics schools. Based in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $67,710 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $22,910 in student loans. Median earnings reach $90,873 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 47%. See the full George Washington University profile
Brown University came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Located in Providence, RI, Brown University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $71,312. Graduates carry a median of $10,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $93,487. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 5%. Read more about Brown University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Applied Mathematics Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Iowa State University offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Iowa State University is a public school based in Ames, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Graduates carry a median of $23,495 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,386. That is a strong return on a $23,495 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Iowa State University
Worcester Polytechnic Institute ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Applied Mathematics schools. Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a private not-for-profit school based in Worcester, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $60,765. Students borrow a median of $26,259 to complete their Applied Mathematics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $103,470 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,259 median debt. The acceptance rate is 60%. More on Worcester Polytechnic Institute
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #29 among the best-value Applied Mathematics schools in the United States. 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. Median earnings reach $81,054 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,778 median debt. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public school based in Minneapolis, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Typical Applied Mathematics student debt is $21,577. Median earnings reach $69,020 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities admits about 80% of applicants. See the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities profile
University Of Maryland College Park offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. 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. Students borrow a median of $20,836 to complete their Applied Mathematics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,860. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Maryland College Park admits about 45% of applicants. Get the full University Of Maryland College Park report
Vanderbilt University landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,498. Students borrow a median of $13,975 to complete their Applied Mathematics program here. Median earnings reach $91,565 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,975 median debt. Roughly 6% of applicants are accepted. More on Vanderbilt University
University Of California San Diego ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Applied Mathematics schools. Based in La Jolla, CA, University Of California San Diego is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,788, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. Graduates carry a median of $15,516 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $84,943. That is a strong return on a $15,516 median debt. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of California San Diego
Johns Hopkins University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $64,730 in tuition and fees. The median Applied Mathematics program debt is $13,426. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $87,555. That is a strong return on a $13,426 median debt. Roughly 6% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Johns Hopkins University
North Carolina State University At Raleigh offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Located in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,799, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. North Carolina State University At Raleigh Applied Mathematics students take on a median of $21,976 in debt. North Carolina State University At Raleigh alumni report median earnings of $68,758 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,976 median debt. North Carolina State University At Raleigh admits about 42% of applicants. Read the full report on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Kent State University At Kent landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Kent, OH, Kent State University At Kent is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,220 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,575. Graduates carry a median of $25,174 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,388 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,174 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Kent State University At Kent
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Applied Mathematics schools. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in Slippery Rock, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,568, with out-of-state students paying around $14,676. Students borrow a median of $26,330 to complete their Applied Mathematics program here. Median earnings reach $53,032 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. Get the full Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania report
Harvard University landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,676. Typical Applied Mathematics student debt is $16,616. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $101,817. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. More on Harvard University
University Of Iowa landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,283, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,463 to complete their Applied Mathematics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,762. Set against $24,463 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Iowa admits about 84% of applicants. See the full University Of Iowa profile
University Of Notre Dame offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. University Of Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit school based in Notre Dame, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,025. The median Applied Mathematics program debt is $19,891. Graduates go on to earn a median of $99,980 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 11% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Notre Dame
New Jersey Institute Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Located in Newark, NJ, New Jersey Institute Of Technology is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $19,974, compared with $37,664 for out-of-state students. New Jersey Institute Of Technology Applied Mathematics students take on a median of $24,755 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $84,276. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. New Jersey Institute Of Technology admits about 65% of applicants. Get the full New Jersey Institute Of Technology report
Oklahoma State University Main Campus placed #43 among the best-value Applied Mathematics schools in the United States. Based in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,110, with out-of-state students paying around $25,630. Students borrow a median of $22,337 to complete their Applied Mathematics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,413 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Oklahoma State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 75%. Get the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus report
The University Of Texas At Dallas came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Located in Richardson, TX, The University Of Texas At Dallas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,644, compared with $40,144 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,531 to complete their Applied Mathematics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,227 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. See the full The University Of Texas At Dallas profile
Temple University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. This public school is set in Philadelphia, PA. Students from in state pay about $23,005 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $38,805. Temple University Applied Mathematics students take on a median of $26,259 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,727. Set against $26,259 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Temple University has an acceptance rate of 80%. More on Temple University
University Of California Irvine offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Based in Irvine, CA, University Of California Irvine is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,752, while out-of-state students pay about $46,640. The median Applied Mathematics program debt is $16,539. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $80,735. That is a strong return on a $16,539 median debt. University Of California Irvine has an acceptance rate of 29%. Read more about University Of California Irvine
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Charlotte, NC. Students from in state pay about $7,239 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,492 for out-of-state students. Typical Applied Mathematics student debt is $24,673. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,289 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
San Diego State University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Based in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,728, compared with $21,328 for out-of-state students. The median Applied Mathematics program debt is $24,563. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,909 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,563 median debt. San Diego State University has an acceptance rate of 36%. More on San Diego State University
Florida Atlantic University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Set in Boca Raton, FL, Florida Atlantic University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,879, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Florida Atlantic University Applied Mathematics students take on a median of $20,212 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,746 ten years after entry. Set against $20,212 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Florida Atlantic University has an acceptance rate of 66%. More on Florida Atlantic University
Arizona State University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Applied Mathematics schools. This public school is set in Tempe, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,681 to complete their Applied Mathematics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. Set against $17,681 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Arizona State University
Colorado School Of Mines ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Applied Mathematics schools. Colorado School Of Mines is a public school based in Golden, CO. Students from in state pay about $21,914 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $45,824. The median Applied Mathematics program debt is $21,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $97,335. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Colorado School Of Mines admits about 61% of applicants. More on Colorado School Of Mines
University Of Missouri Columbia landed the #52 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,818 to complete their Applied Mathematics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,403 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,818 median debt. University Of Missouri Columbia has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read the full report on University Of Missouri Columbia
Related Applied Mathematics Value Rankings
Explore 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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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).