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Best Value Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

CUNY Baruch delivers Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods training for just $2,978 annually, making it the most affordable option on this list by a significant margin. The school produces graduates earning $45,852, creating an impressive return on investment that puts most private institutions to shame. Meanwhile, Wisconsin-Madison commands the highest net price at $16,928 but justifies the cost with graduates earning $78,814, nearly doubling the lowest earner on this list. The Northeast corridor particularly benefits from strong quantitative analysis job markets, with financial services firms from Boston to New York actively recruiting graduates skilled in data modeling, operations research, and statistical analysis. Connecticut's multiple campuses showcase how satellite locations can offer the same degree credentials as flagship institutions, with all UConn branches reporting identical $66,113 earnings despite varying acceptance rates. Florida's public universities demonstrate another winning formula, combining low costs with solid career outcomes in a state where logistics, aerospace, and tourism industries rely heavily on quantitative decision-making expertise.
50
Programs
$2,978 – $26,985
Net Price Range
$57,261
Avg. Program Earnings
65.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,978 $45,852 $7,464 72.1% 49.5%
2 $6,351 $62,508 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
3 $5,646 $42,682 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
4 $8,896 $66,113 $17,462 59.5% 97.9%
5 $6,352 $46,087 $7,200 33.3% 74.2%
6 $11,504 $66,113 $17,462 56.7% 97.4%
7 $10,997 $60,878 $5,656 83.0% 25.0%
8 $10,898 $57,318 $12,559 68.2% 88.1%
9 $13,339 $66,113 $17,452 65.4% 97.3%
10 $6,007 $29,685 $7,001 25.6% 45.0%
11 $11,234 $54,671 $8,991 51.2% 86.9%
12 $14,059 $66,113 $17,472 56.9% 92.2%
13 $15,590 $72,762 $11,505 88.6% 44.6%
14 $16,928 $78,814 $11,205 89.3% 49.1%
15 $13,670 $63,005 $12,051 67.8% 89.8%
16 $13,945 $63,997 $9,992 83.1% 52.7%
17 $15,201 $68,592 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
18 $14,487 $64,990 $6,496 82.2% 66.7%
19 $12,188 $53,775 $9,992 41.1% 92.3%
20 $13,485 $57,318 $12,643 83.7% 47.5%
21 $11,750 $48,432 $15,265 87.6% 23.7%
22 $10,916 $44,747 $11,436 53.7% 97.0%
23 $15,898 $63,997 $10,758 63.3% 69.0%
24 $15,336 $59,124 $9,739 49.4% 71.3%
25 $13,825 $52,107 $14,965 85.3% 25.9%
26 $17,424 $64,493 $10,108 65.8% 78.6%
27 $16,041 $59,045 $14,190 61.8% 79.0%
28 $12,882 $47,260 $7,424 50.1% 94.2%
29 $12,909 $46,869 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
30 $16,065 $56,234 $12,613 48.9% 85.3%
31 $16,157 $56,234 $12,345 36.9% 92.1%
32 $18,287 $63,430 $13,815 69.3% 90.0%
33 $12,832 $44,170 $7,388 44.7% 86.8%
34 $12,313 $42,123 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
35 $15,931 $53,775 $8,478 53.7% 66.8%
36 $17,525 $58,402 $9,748 70.0% 78.9%
37 $11,779 $39,009 $6,938 59.8% 96.0%
38 $17,435 $56,415 $14,564 70.8% 84.7%
39 $17,123 $55,286 $19,896 33.3%
40 $16,177 $52,107 $10,020 51.2% 86.3%
41 $18,292 $57,995 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
42 $16,284 $49,840 $37,000 64.6% 58.4%
43 $20,015 $60,523 $11,954 71.0% 75.7%
44 $14,715 $44,170 $9,192 49.9% 93.5%
45 $18,109 $54,109 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
46 $23,790 $70,680 $15,478 86.3% 57.0%
47 $26,985 $78,719 $50,110 68.5% 84.7%
48 $21,398 $62,260 $10,964 73.1% 86.0%
49 $23,519 $67,995 $17,239 85.0% 66.3%
50 $22,886 $66,113 $20,366 83.8% 54.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive earnings gap between top and bottom programs?

Wisconsin-Madison graduates earn $78,814 compared to Coppin State's $29,685, a difference of nearly $49,000 annually. This gap reflects regional job markets, with Wisconsin serving major corporations in Milwaukee and Chicago that pay premium salaries for quantitative analysts. Coppin State's Baltimore location offers fewer high-paying corporate opportunities, though graduates often find meaningful work in government agencies and nonprofit organizations. The 89.3% graduation rate at Wisconsin also suggests stronger student preparation and support systems.

How do University of Connecticut's satellite campuses compare to the main campus?

All UConn regional campuses report identical $66,113 graduate earnings despite being separate institutions with different acceptance rates. Waterbury accepts 97.91% of applicants while Stamford takes 92.18%, yet both produce graduates commanding the same salaries as the main Storrs campus. The consistent earnings suggest employers view UConn degrees equally regardless of campus location. Net costs vary slightly, with Stamford charging $14,059 compared to Waterbury's $8,896.

Is CUNY Baruch's $2,978 cost realistic for quality education?

Baruch's extraordinarily low net cost reflects New York's commitment to affordable public education for city residents. The school maintains a 49.53% acceptance rate, indicating selective admissions despite the low price. Graduates earning $45,852 demonstrate the program's effectiveness in preparing students for quantitative roles in finance, consulting, and operations. The $7,500 average debt load means most graduates start careers with minimal financial burden, a significant advantage in expensive New York City.

Does geographic location significantly impact career earnings for these graduates?

Regional job markets create substantial salary variations, with coastal and major metropolitan programs generally producing higher-earning graduates. University of Maryland graduates near Washington DC earn $72,762, reflecting strong federal government and contractor demand for quantitative analysts. Florida universities benefit from growing aerospace and logistics sectors, with UF graduates earning $62,508 and FSU alumni making $60,878. Even within states, location matters: UT San Antonio graduates earn $54,671 in Texas's second-largest city, where corporate headquarters increasingly rely on data-driven decision making.

What debt levels should students expect across these programs?

Average debt ranges from Baruch's remarkably low $7,500 to Coppin State's concerning $32,595, a difference of $25,095. Most programs cluster between $17,000-$23,000 in debt, which represents manageable levels for graduates earning $50,000-$70,000 annually. Coppin State's high debt relative to low graduate earnings ($29,685) creates a challenging financial situation for alumni. Florida State achieves an excellent balance with $18,522 debt and $60,878 earnings, providing graduates strong financial flexibility.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.