Skip to main content

Best Value Mathematics and Statistics Colleges

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

Mathematics and Statistics, Other programs reveal striking value differences across institutional types. New York University graduates earn $86,424 annually while University at Albany graduates earn $32,569, both within the same state system. This $53,855 earnings gap reflects the varied career paths available in mathematical sciences, from actuarial work to data analysis roles that increasingly drive financial services and tech companies throughout the Northeast corridor. Public institutions like Weber State University charge just $10,722 net price compared to Worcester Polytechnic Institute's $43,273, creating a fourfold cost variation. Carnegie Mellon University maintains a 92.5% graduation rate with highly selective 11.3% acceptance, while Northwestern Oklahoma State University accepts 56.42% of applicants but graduates only 35.4%. The mathematical workforce shortage across insurance, banking, and government sectors means even mid-tier programs can lead to solid employment outcomes, though institutional reputation and regional employer relationships significantly influence starting salaries.
46
Programs
$6,007 – $43,273
Net Price Range
$59,425
Avg. Program Earnings
67.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

46 Mathematics and Statistics, Other Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,837 $44,942 $11,988 55.9% 69.5%
2 $14,745 $45,715 $7,214 67.7% 79.6%
3 $17,622 $52,107 $34,535 64.2% 76.7%
4 $27,823 $80,273 $62,693 96.8% 12.9%
5 $19,067 $48,041 $8,953 61.6% 74.7%
6 $35,035 $86,424 $60,438 88.5% 12.5%
7 $18,486 $32,569 $10,408 63.9% 67.9%
8 $43,273 $74,576 $59,070 88.4% 57.5%
9 $42,581 $70,176 $61,992 80.3% 54.1%
10 $23,880 $34,050 49.7% 47.3%
11 $21,423 $25,900 55.2% 96.0%
12 $31,671 $63,829 92.5% 11.3%
13 $25,717 $43,810 66.2% 66.3%
14 $11,366 $5,970 35.4% 56.4%
15 $18,568 $21,468 68.2% 81.4%
16 $30,074 $21,524 84.3% 49.1%
17 $18,109 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
18 $15,644 $8,771 53.5% 84.6%
19 $10,722 $6,391 43.0%
20 $23,383 $25,110 48.1% 75.8%
21 $32,697 $44,405 75.8% 80.4%
22 $30,248 $64,348 84.5% 38.9%
23 $14,714 $8,606 60.9% 84.5%
24 $23,901 $41,642 55.4% 92.7%
25 $20,148 $69,045 95.0% 4.0%
26 $16,602 $19,890 61.6% 41.0%
27 $23,911 $60,774 91.8% 11.4%
28 $18,034 $43,520 60.1% 90.7%
29 $12,093 $36,840 59.0% 84.1%
30 $22,144 $35,640 49.4% 51.8%
31 $28,552 $51,430 76.5% 83.9%
32 $15,608 $64,862 87.5% 10.8%
33 $6,007 $7,001 25.6% 45.0%
34 $18,161 $63,340 94.6% 7.3%
35 $28,853 $49,414 74.6% 82.3%
36 $26,196 $30,730 61.1% 55.1%
37 $25,989 $38,000 48.8% 92.8%
38 $24,842 $40,352 66.3% 78.1%
39 $16,240 $8,050 58.1% 89.5%
40 $21,554 $36,130 53.3% 71.3%
41 $28,619 $65,739 96.0% 6.4%
42 $23,261 $19,112 76.4% 87.0%
43 $19,037 $37,732 56.6% 96.5%
44 $41,315 $37,830 49.7% 89.2%
45 $39,253 $66,246 92.9% 8.8%
46 $31,198 $56,134 69.0% 87.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $53,855 earnings difference between NYU and University at Albany graduates?

Location plays a major role, as NYU graduates often enter high-paying finance and tech roles in Manhattan where starting salaries reflect the competitive market. University at Albany graduates frequently work in state government or regional businesses with different compensation structures. NYU's extensive alumni network in investment banking and consulting also creates pathway advantages. The 12.46% acceptance rate at NYU versus 67.90% at Albany indicates different academic preparation levels among incoming students.

How do public university costs compare for Mathematics and Statistics, Other programs?

In-state costs range from $5,970 at Northwestern Oklahoma State University to $11,988 at University of Missouri-Kansas City. Weber State University offers the lowest net price at $10,722, while UNC Charlotte provides strong value at $7,214 in-state with graduates earning $45,715. Net prices after financial aid show public institutions clustering between $10,722 and $19,067. State funding levels and regional cost of living create these variations across different public systems.

Is Carnegie Mellon University worth the higher cost for mathematics programs?

Carnegie Mellon's $31,671 net price delivers a 92.5% graduation rate, among the highest for any mathematics program nationally. The 11.3% acceptance rate indicates highly competitive admission standards that often correlate with strong career outcomes. Students benefit from proximity to Pittsburgh's growing tech sector and the university's computer science reputation. However, specific earnings data for mathematics graduates would provide better cost-benefit analysis than institutional averages alone.

Does regional location affect mathematics career prospects significantly?

Geographic clustering shows clear patterns, with New York institutions like NYU, Fordham, and SUNY Purchase offering different value propositions within the same job market. NYU graduates earn $86,424 while Purchase graduates earn $48,041, both accessing similar employer pools. Pittsburgh institutions Carnegie Mellon and Chatham University serve a tech-growing region with different cost structures. Regional differences in finance, insurance, and government opportunities create varying salary expectations across metropolitan areas.

Where can students find the best graduation rates in mathematics programs?

University of Notre Dame leads with 96.8% graduation rate at $27,823 net price, followed by Carnegie Mellon at 92.5% and NYU at 88.5%. Worcester Polytechnic Institute achieves 88.4% graduation rates with strong engineering-mathematics connections. These high-performing institutions typically offer smaller class sizes, extensive faculty mentoring, and structured academic support. Northwestern Oklahoma State University's 35.4% rate represents the lower end, though regional employment markets may still provide opportunities for completing students.

More Mathematics and Statistics, Other Rankings

Cheapest Mathematics and Statistics, Other Mathematics and Statistics, Other Under $20,000

Related

All Mathematics and Statistics, Other Programs All College Rankings Highest-Paying Majors 2026

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