2026 Best Value Mathematics Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Mathematics master’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 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 analyzed 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 Mathematics Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Leading the list is Brigham Young University Provo, our #1 best-value Mathematics school in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,688. Brigham Young University Provo Mathematics students take on a median of $12,184 in debt. 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
A rank of #2 makes Illinois State University one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Normal, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $14,410, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,309 in student loans. Median earnings reach $62,117 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,309 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on Illinois State University
Out of the 1490 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, North Dakota State University Main Campus landed the #3 spot. Located in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,910 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. Students borrow a median of $25,153 to complete their Mathematics program here. 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. North Dakota State University Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants. Read the full report on North Dakota State University Main Campus
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville came in at #4 on this year's best-value Mathematics ranking in the United States. Set in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,092 in tuition and fees. Typical Mathematics student debt is $23,917. Median earnings reach $56,346 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has an acceptance rate of 98%. Get the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville report
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. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,374, while out-of-state students pay about $19,974. Students borrow a median of $18,000 to complete their Mathematics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,403 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 46%. See the full California State University Long Beach profile
Missouri State University Springfield came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Springfield, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $9,502, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. Graduates carry a median of $19,922 in student loans. Median earnings reach $49,827 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,922 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. More on Missouri State University Springfield
Northern Illinois University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mathematics schools. Based in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,060. Graduates carry a median of $25,044 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 70%. Read more about Northern Illinois University
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. Set against $14,146 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. More on Cornell University
Purdue University Northwest offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Based in Hammond, IN, Purdue University Northwest is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,357, while out-of-state students pay about $15,504. Graduates carry a median of $25,083 in student loans. 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. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Purdue University Northwest report
Michigan Technological University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mathematics schools. Based in Houghton, MI, Michigan Technological University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $20,532, while out-of-state students pay about $44,807. Michigan Technological University Mathematics students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,198 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Michigan Technological University report
University Of Nebraska Lincoln placed #11 among the best-value Mathematics schools in the United States. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,434 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. The median Mathematics program debt is $19,261. A decade after starting, 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%. More on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Western Illinois University placed #12 among the best-value Mathematics schools in the United States. Set in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,572 in tuition and fees. Western Illinois University Mathematics students take on a median of $27,639 in debt. Western Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $54,163 a decade after entry. Set against $27,639 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. More on Western Illinois University
Bowling Green State University Main Campus placed #13 among the best-value Mathematics schools in the United States. Located in Bowling Green, OH, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,912, with out-of-state students paying around $21,900. Typical Mathematics student debt is $24,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,896. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 81%. Read more about Bowling Green State University Main Campus
University Of Central Arkansas landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Set 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. The median Mathematics program debt is $16,711. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,938. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Central Arkansas
University Of Nebraska At Omaha landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Omaha, NE, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,718, with out-of-state students paying around $23,206. Graduates carry a median of $26,069 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,909 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nebraska At Omaha has an acceptance rate of 87%. See the full University Of Nebraska At Omaha profile
Montclair State University landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,912, compared with $26,022 for out-of-state students. The median Mathematics program debt is $22,125. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,415. Set against $22,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Montclair State University admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on Montclair State University
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in West Chester, PA, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,775, with out-of-state students paying around $22,599. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,258. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 78%. See the full West Chester University Of Pennsylvania profile
Villanova University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mathematics schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Villanova, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,776. Students borrow a median of $25,454 to complete their Mathematics program here. Median earnings reach $100,423 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Villanova University
University Of Wisconsin Madison offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Set in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. University Of Wisconsin Madison Mathematics students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,792. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
Central Michigan University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mathematics schools. Central Michigan University is a public school based in Mount Pleasant, MI. Students from in state pay about $15,480 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,857 to complete their Mathematics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,874. That is a strong return on a $27,857 median debt. Central Michigan University admits about 90% of applicants. More on Central Michigan University
University Of Northern Iowa offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Located in Cedar Falls, IA, University Of Northern Iowa is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,936, with out-of-state students paying around $21,712. Students borrow a median of $19,723 to complete their Mathematics program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,177. That is a strong return on a $19,723 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%. See the full University Of Northern Iowa profile
Rowan University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mathematics schools. Based in Glassboro, NJ, Rowan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,574, while out-of-state students pay about $26,932. Typical Mathematics student debt is $20,898. Rowan University alumni report median earnings of $59,988 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Rowan University report
The University Of Texas Pan American came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. The University Of Texas Pan American is a public school based in Edinburg, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,799, compared with $19,645 for out-of-state students. The median Mathematics program debt is $12,225. The University Of Texas Pan American alumni report median earnings of $49,620 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 94%. Read more about The University Of Texas Pan American
The University Of Texas At Austin offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their Mathematics program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,121. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 27%. See the full The University Of Texas At Austin profile
Clemson University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mathematics schools. Located in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,554, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. Clemson University Mathematics students take on a median of $22,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,513 ten years after entry. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Clemson University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Mathematics Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Indiana University East came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Richmond, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,424, while out-of-state students pay about $22,811. Typical Mathematics student debt is $22,388. Median earnings reach $47,156 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Indiana University East
Millersville University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in Millersville, PA. Students from in state pay about $11,128 in tuition and fees, 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. Set against $25,900 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania admits about 86% of applicants. Read more about Millersville University Of Pennsylvania
University Of North Texas placed #28 among the best-value Mathematics schools in the United States. University Of North Texas is a public school based in Denton, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. University Of North Texas Mathematics students take on a median of $23,689 in debt. University Of North Texas alumni report median earnings of $57,010 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,689 median debt. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of North Texas
Texas A And M University Commerce came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Set in Commerce, TX, Texas A And M University Commerce is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,026 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,326. 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. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Texas A And M University Commerce
Texas Womans University placed #30 among the best-value Mathematics schools in the United States. This public school is set in Denton, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,640, while out-of-state students pay about $18,480. Typical Mathematics student debt is $17,812. Median earnings reach $56,544 ten years out. Set against $17,812 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas Womans University admits about 96% of applicants. More on Texas Womans University
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Based in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,161, while out-of-state students pay about $33,230. Typical Mathematics student debt is $16,718. Median earnings reach $90,768 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,718 median debt. The acceptance rate is 31%. Read the full report on California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
South Dakota State University placed #32 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, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. Typical Mathematics student debt is $18,000. Median earnings reach $55,070 ten years out. Set against $18,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%. More on South Dakota State University
Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Located in Fort Wayne, IN, Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,532, while out-of-state students pay about $22,887. The median Mathematics program debt is $21,500. Median earnings reach $45,872 ten years out. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne admits about 84% of applicants. More on Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne
University Of Houston Clear Lake offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. This public school is set in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,346, with out-of-state students paying around $22,290. The median Mathematics program debt is $16,392. University Of Houston Clear Lake alumni report median earnings of $59,004 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,392 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Houston Clear Lake profile
Northeastern University offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit school based in Boston, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $66,162. Typical Mathematics student debt is $21,750. Median earnings reach $92,538 ten years out. Set against $21,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 5%. More on Northeastern University
The University Of West Florida ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mathematics schools. Set in Pensacola, FL, The University Of West Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,776, while out-of-state students pay about $18,658. The median Mathematics program debt is $19,677. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,137 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,677 median debt. About 58% of those who apply are admitted. See the full The University Of West Florida profile
Texas Tech University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mathematics schools. Set in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Set against $29,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. More on Texas Tech University
Texas A And M University College Station placed #38 among the best-value Mathematics schools in the United States. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,995 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Texas A And M University College Station Mathematics students take on a median of $18,223 in debt. Texas A And M University College Station alumni report median earnings of $72,097 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas A And M University College Station admits about 57% of applicants. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile
University Of Wyoming placed #39 among the best-value Mathematics schools in the United States. This public school is set in Laramie, WY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,768, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. Graduates carry a median of $20,283 in student loans. University Of Wyoming alumni report median earnings of $56,880 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wyoming admits about 97% of applicants. More on University Of Wyoming
Emporia State University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. This public school is set in Emporia, KS. Students from in state pay about $7,106 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,419 for out-of-state students. Typical Mathematics student debt is $23,131. Emporia State University alumni report median earnings of $47,601 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,131 median debt. Emporia State University admits about 98% of applicants. Read more about Emporia State University
University Of California Los Angeles placed #41 among the best-value Mathematics schools in the United States. University Of California Los Angeles is a public school based in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,920 to complete their Mathematics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,511. Set against $14,920 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Los Angeles has an acceptance rate of 9%. More on University Of California Los Angeles
Texas State University San Marcos offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Texas State University San Marcos is a public school based in San Marcos, TX. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,930. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Mathematics program here. Median earnings reach $56,906 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. More on Texas State University San Marcos
University Of Memphis landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,728 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,384 for out-of-state students. Typical Mathematics student debt is $24,125. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,458. Set against $24,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Memphis report
Sam Houston State University placed #44 among the best-value Mathematics schools in the United States. Set in Huntsville, TX, Sam Houston State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,228, with out-of-state students paying around $19,068. Sam Houston State University Mathematics students take on a median of $28,000 in debt. Sam Houston State University alumni report median earnings of $54,211 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Sam Houston State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read more about Sam Houston State University
Arkansas State University Main Campus placed #45 among the best-value Mathematics schools in the United States. Set in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,090, while out-of-state students pay about $14,522. Typical Mathematics student debt is $20,500. Median earnings reach $42,617 ten years out. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. More on Arkansas State University Main Campus
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Based in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,948, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. Typical Mathematics student debt is $23,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,698 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. See the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University profile
University Of North Dakota placed #47 among the best-value Mathematics schools in the United States. University Of North Dakota is a public school based in Grand Forks, ND. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,951, compared with $15,570 for out-of-state students. Typical Mathematics student debt is $25,110. Median earnings reach $63,552 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of North Dakota
University Of Virginia Main Campus landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Charlottesville, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,118, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. University Of Virginia Main Campus Mathematics students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $86,863 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. About 17% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Virginia Main Campus
The University Of Texas At El Paso placed #49 among the best-value Mathematics schools in the United States. Based in El Paso, TX, The University Of Texas At El Paso is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,544, with out-of-state students paying around $25,502. Graduates carry a median of $17,195 in student loans. Median earnings reach $50,923 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,195 median debt. The University Of Texas At El Paso admits about 100% of applicants. See the full The University Of Texas At El Paso profile
California State University Northridge ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mathematics schools. California State University Northridge is a public school based in Northridge, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $7,458, with out-of-state students paying around $20,058. California State University Northridge Mathematics students take on a median of $16,949 in debt. Median earnings reach $59,115 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,949 median debt. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. More on California State University Northridge
Related Mathematics Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Mathematics Schools (All Levels)
- 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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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 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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