2026 Best Value Mathematics Schools
Looking for the best-value Mathematics programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 1490 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh 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 Mathematics Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Brigham Young University Provo earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Located in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $6,688 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $12,184 to complete their Mathematics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,790 ten years after entry. Set against $12,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Provo has an acceptance rate of 68%. See the full Brigham Young University Provo profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Illinois State University earned it the #2 place in the United States. This public school is set in Normal, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,410, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. Typical Mathematics student debt is $20,309. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,117. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on Illinois State University
North Dakota State University Main Campus came in at #3 on this year's best-value Mathematics ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Fargo, ND. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. Typical Mathematics student debt is $25,153. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,203 ten years after entry. Set against $25,153 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Get the full North Dakota State University Main Campus report
A rank of #4 makes Southern Illinois University Edwardsville one of the best values in the United States. Based in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,092. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Mathematics students take on a median of $23,917 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,346 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,917 median debt. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has an acceptance rate of 98%. See the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville profile
Out of the 1490 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, California State University Long Beach landed the #5 spot. California State University Long Beach is a public school based in Long Beach, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $7,374, compared with $19,974 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,000 to complete their Mathematics program here. California State University Long Beach alumni report median earnings of $64,403 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,000 median debt. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted. More on California State University Long Beach
Missouri State University Springfield came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Set in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,502, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. The median Mathematics program debt is $19,922. Missouri State University Springfield alumni report median earnings of $49,827 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read the full report on Missouri State University Springfield
Northern Illinois University came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Located in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,060. Students borrow a median of $25,044 to complete their Mathematics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. Set against $25,044 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 70%. See the full Northern Illinois University profile
Cornell University placed #8 among the best-value Mathematics schools in the United States. Cornell University is a private not-for-profit school based in Ithaca, NY. Students from in state pay about $69,314 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $14,146 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $104,043. That is a strong return on a $14,146 median debt. The acceptance rate is 9%. Get the full Cornell University report
Purdue University Northwest came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Located in Hammond, IN, Purdue University Northwest is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,357, with out-of-state students paying around $15,504. Students borrow a median of $25,083 to complete their Mathematics program here. Purdue University Northwest alumni report median earnings of $48,318 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,083 median debt. Purdue University Northwest has an acceptance rate of 72%. Get the full Purdue University Northwest report
Michigan Technological University came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Based in Houghton, MI, Michigan Technological University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $20,532, compared with $44,807 for out-of-state students. Michigan Technological University Mathematics students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. Median earnings reach $78,198 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 92%. See the full Michigan Technological University profile
University Of Nebraska Lincoln ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mathematics schools. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. Students from in state pay about $10,434 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. The median Mathematics program debt is $19,261. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,887. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nebraska Lincoln has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln profile
Western Illinois University placed #12 among the best-value Mathematics schools in the United States. Western Illinois University is a public school based in Macomb, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,572. Typical Mathematics student debt is $27,639. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,163. That is a strong return on a $27,639 median debt. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Western Illinois University
Indiana University East offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Based in Richmond, IN, Indiana University East is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,424 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,811. The median Mathematics program debt is $22,388. Indiana University East alumni report median earnings of $47,156 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,388 median debt. Indiana University East admits about 67% of applicants. Read more about Indiana University East
Bowling Green State University Main Campus came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Bowling Green, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,912, compared with $21,900 for out-of-state students. Typical Mathematics student debt is $24,000. Median earnings reach $47,896 ten years out. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Bowling Green State University Main Campus admits about 81% of applicants. Read more about Bowling Green State University Main Campus
University Of Central Arkansas landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Conway, AR, University Of Central Arkansas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,523, with out-of-state students paying around $18,023. Students borrow a median of $16,711 to complete their Mathematics program here. Median earnings reach $45,938 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,711 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Central Arkansas
University Of Nebraska At Omaha ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mathematics schools. This public school is set in Omaha, NE. Students from in state pay about $8,718 in tuition and fees, compared with $23,206 for out-of-state students. Typical Mathematics student debt is $26,069. University Of Nebraska At Omaha alumni report median earnings of $53,909 a decade after entry. Set against $26,069 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska At Omaha has an acceptance rate of 87%. More on University Of Nebraska At Omaha
Montclair State University landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Set 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. Montclair State University Mathematics students take on a median of $22,125 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,415 ten years after entry. Set against $22,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Montclair State University admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about Montclair State University
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania placed #18 among the best-value Mathematics schools in the United States. Located in West Chester, PA, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,775 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,599. Median earnings reach $61,258 ten years out. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 78%. More on West Chester University Of Pennsylvania
Villanova University landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,776. Students borrow a median of $25,454 to complete their Mathematics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $100,423. Set against $25,454 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Villanova University report
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their Mathematics program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,792. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Madison
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. The University Of Texas At Austin is a public school based in Austin, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their Mathematics program here. Median earnings reach $75,121 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. More on The University Of Texas At Austin
University Of Northern Iowa offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Located in Cedar Falls, IA, University Of Northern Iowa is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,936, while out-of-state students pay about $21,712. Students borrow a median of $19,723 to complete their Mathematics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,177. Set against $19,723 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%. Read the full report on University Of Northern Iowa
Central Michigan University landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,480. Students borrow a median of $27,857 to complete their Mathematics program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,874. That is a strong return on a $27,857 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. More on Central Michigan University
Rowan University landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Glassboro, NJ, Rowan University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,574, with out-of-state students paying around $26,932. Graduates carry a median of $20,898 in student loans. Median earnings reach $59,988 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,898 median debt. Rowan University has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read more about Rowan University
The University Of Texas Pan American offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. This public school is set in Edinburg, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,799, while out-of-state students pay about $19,645. Graduates carry a median of $12,225 in student loans. The University Of Texas Pan American alumni report median earnings of $49,620 a decade after entry. Set against $12,225 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas Pan American has an acceptance rate of 94%. Read more about The University Of Texas Pan American
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Mathematics Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Millersville University Of Pennsylvania placed #26 among the best-value Mathematics schools in the United States. Set in Millersville, PA, Millersville University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,128, with out-of-state students paying around $22,952. Graduates carry a median of $25,900 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,246 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,900 median debt. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania admits about 86% of applicants. More on Millersville University Of Pennsylvania
University Of North Texas placed #26 among the best-value Mathematics schools in the United States. Set in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,309, while out-of-state students pay about $21,149. Graduates carry a median of $23,689 in student loans. Median earnings reach $57,010 ten years out. Set against $23,689 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Texas has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read the full report on University Of North Texas
Clemson University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Located in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,554, with out-of-state students paying around $40,866. Graduates carry a median of $22,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,513. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Clemson University
Northeastern University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Boston, MA. Students from in state pay about $66,162 in tuition and fees. The median Mathematics program debt is $21,750. Median earnings reach $92,538 ten years out. Set against $21,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northeastern University has an acceptance rate of 5%. Read the full report on Northeastern University
Texas A And M University Commerce offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Located in Commerce, TX, Texas A And M University Commerce is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,026, compared with $22,326 for out-of-state students. The median Mathematics program debt is $19,333. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,296. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas A And M University Commerce has an acceptance rate of 92%. More on Texas A And M University Commerce
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Based in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,161, with out-of-state students paying around $33,230. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo Mathematics students take on a median of $16,718 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $90,768. Set against $16,718 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 31%. More on California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
Texas Womans University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mathematics schools. Located in Denton, TX, Texas Womans University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,640, compared with $18,480 for out-of-state students. Texas Womans University Mathematics students take on a median of $17,812 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,544. Set against $17,812 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%. Read the full report on Texas Womans University
Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne placed #33 among the best-value Mathematics schools in the United States. Set in Fort Wayne, IN, Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,532, while out-of-state students pay about $22,887. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Mathematics program here. Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne alumni report median earnings of $45,872 a decade after entry. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. See the full Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne profile
South Dakota State University placed #33 among the best-value Mathematics schools in the United States. South Dakota State University is a public school based in Brookings, SD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,299, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. Students borrow a median of $18,000 to complete their Mathematics program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,070. Set against $18,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. South Dakota State University has an acceptance rate of 98%. See the full South Dakota State University profile
University Of Houston Clear Lake offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Set in Houston, TX, University Of Houston Clear Lake is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,346, compared with $22,290 for out-of-state students. Typical Mathematics student debt is $16,392. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,004. Set against $16,392 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Houston Clear Lake has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read more about University Of Houston Clear Lake
Texas Tech University offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Texas Tech University is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. The median Mathematics program debt is $29,750. Median earnings reach $62,454 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 73%. Read the full report on Texas Tech University
The University Of West Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. This public school is set in Pensacola, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,776, compared with $18,658 for out-of-state students. The University Of West Florida Mathematics students take on a median of $19,677 in debt. Median earnings reach $49,137 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,677 median debt. The University Of West Florida has an acceptance rate of 58%. Get the full The University Of West Florida report
University Of Wyoming came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Set in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,768 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. Graduates carry a median of $20,283 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,880. Set against $20,283 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wyoming admits about 97% of applicants. Get the full University Of Wyoming report
Texas A And M University College Station landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Typical Mathematics student debt is $18,223. Texas A And M University College Station alumni report median earnings of $72,097 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,223 median debt. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Texas A And M University College Station
Emporia State University landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Emporia, KS, Emporia State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,106, compared with $15,419 for out-of-state students. Typical Mathematics student debt is $23,131. Median earnings reach $47,601 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Emporia State University has an acceptance rate of 98%. More on Emporia State University
University Of California Los Angeles ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mathematics schools. This public school is set in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,920 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,511. That is a strong return on a $14,920 median debt. University Of California Los Angeles admits about 9% of applicants. More on University Of California Los Angeles
Texas State University San Marcos ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mathematics schools. Based in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, compared with $22,930 for out-of-state students. Typical Mathematics student debt is $26,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,906. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas State University San Marcos has an acceptance rate of 89%. See the full Texas State University San Marcos profile
University Of Memphis came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Located in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,728, while out-of-state students pay about $15,384. Students borrow a median of $24,125 to complete their Mathematics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,458 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Memphis
Sam Houston State University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mathematics schools. Located in Huntsville, TX, Sam Houston State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,228, compared with $19,068 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $28,000 to complete their Mathematics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,211 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read the full report on Sam Houston State University
University Of Virginia Main Campus ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mathematics schools. University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public school based in Charlottesville, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,118, while out-of-state students pay about $61,591. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their Mathematics program here. Median earnings reach $86,863 ten years out. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 17%. More on University Of Virginia Main Campus
Arkansas State University Main Campus came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Set in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,090, compared with $14,522 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their Mathematics program here. Arkansas State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $42,617 a decade after entry. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arkansas State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 82%. See the full Arkansas State University Main Campus profile
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mathematics schools. Based in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,948 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. Typical Mathematics student debt is $23,250. Median earnings reach $81,698 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
University Of North Dakota came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Based in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,951, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. University Of North Dakota Mathematics students take on a median of $25,110 in debt. University Of North Dakota alumni report median earnings of $63,552 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,110 median debt. University Of North Dakota has an acceptance rate of 77%. Read the full report on University Of North Dakota
University Of California Berkeley offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. University Of California Berkeley is a public school based in Berkeley, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. University Of California Berkeley Mathematics students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $92,446 ten years out. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 11%. More on University Of California Berkeley
Massachusetts Institute Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cambridge, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,396. Students borrow a median of $10,003 to complete their Mathematics program here. Ten years after enrolling, 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
Best Value Mathematics Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Value Mathematics Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Mathematics Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Mathematics Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Mathematics Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Mathematics Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Mathematics Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Mathematics Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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 1490 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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