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Best Value Mathematics Colleges in California

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

California State University-Los Angeles delivers remarkable value for mathematics students with a net cost of just $4,113 annually while graduates earn $35,276 within six years of completion. This stark contrast highlights how California's public university system makes mathematical education accessible across varied economic backgrounds. The earnings range spans dramatically from $29,141 to $55,512, reflecting the state's varied mathematical career paths from education to tech analytics. Silicon Valley's tech giants and aerospace companies like SpaceX create substantial demand for mathematical talent, particularly in data science and computational modeling roles. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo graduates command the highest salaries at $55,512, justifying its $15,624 net cost through strong industry connections. Meanwhile, several Cal State campuses maintain net costs below $8,000, making mathematics education affordable for California residents. The state's economy, ranking fifth globally, relies heavily on mathematical applications across biotechnology research, financial modeling, and engineering sectors. UC Berkeley and UCLA demonstrate that top-tier mathematical programs remain accessible through generous financial aid, with net costs around $14,000 despite their global recognition in mathematical research.
50
Programs
$3,659 – $47,527
Net Price Range
$40,537
Avg. Program Earnings
69.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Mathematics Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,113 $35,276 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
2 $6,480 $41,193 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
3 $7,599 $47,260 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
4 $5,918 $35,274 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
5 $8,931 $39,009 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
6 $14,013 $53,775 $13,747 92.7% 8.6%
7 $12,840 $47,260 $14,237 86.0% 21.2%
8 $10,512 $38,289 $7,602 55.8% 93.2%
9 $13,801 $49,436 $8,190 60.5% 94.0%
10 $15,624 $55,512 $11,075 85.2% 30.4%
11 $14,979 $52,107 $14,850 92.9% 11.3%
12 $11,750 $39,729 $15,265 87.6% 23.7%
13 $11,580 $37,856 $7,439 66.7% 55.4%
14 $13,825 $44,835 $14,965 85.3% 25.9%
15 $12,882 $33,993 $7,424 50.1% 94.2%
16 $14,487 $33,993 $7,437 63.2% 92.4%
17 $14,838 $32,925 $8,064 63.6% 95.0%
18 $15,288 $32,925 $15,247 85.1% 37.3%
19 $13,707 $29,141 $14,170 76.6% 68.7%
20 $16,607 $31,941 $14,560 74.5% 46.9%
21 $39,329 $57,318 $63,446 85.1% 39.4%
22 $22,867 $28,236 $57,614 70.7% 81.9%
23 $47,527 $35,060 $62,784 80.4% 72.5%
24 $9,792 $6,817 53.5% 89.7%
25 $13,167 $7,913 46.6% 98.2%
26 $25,009 $48,132 53.4% 75.8%
27 $31,058 $13,320 50.0%
28 $20,979 $35,214 51.5% 48.5%
29 $25,926 $55,340 67.8% 93.2%
30 $45,409 $66,742 84.7% 48.7%
31 $31,663 $62,692 83.2% 18.4%
32 $19,424 $62,326 93.2% 7.0%
33 $16,174 $8,290 78.3% 39.3%
34 $31,265 $56,444 81.6% 52.6%
35 $28,101 $46,704 68.8% 56.6%
36 $32,121 $36,930 63.7% 78.2%
37 $26,217 $35,910 68.1% 91.9%
38 $26,925 $47,000 65.4% 73.5%
39 $11,276 $7,055 45.5% 96.2%
40 $32,492 $66,255 93.8% 13.4%
41 $14,317 $35,558 55.9% 75.0%
42 $27,384 $64,150 95.2% 10.4%
43 $28,046 $41,390 62.5% 69.0%
44 $19,798 $43,600 64.4% 87.0%
45 $27,384 $39,720 59.5% 79.9%
46 $18,902 $63,255 93.2% 2.7%
47 $26,433 $50,670 74.0% 87.2%
48 $5,825 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
49 $5,671 $7,826 58.0% 96.6%
50 $3,659 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Cal Poly San Luis Obispo worth its higher cost for mathematics students?

Cal Poly graduates earn $55,512 annually, the highest among California mathematics programs, despite a net cost of $15,624. The university maintains an 85.20% graduation rate and selective 30.43% acceptance rate. Its hands-on approach and industry partnerships in aerospace and technology create direct pathways to high-paying mathematical careers.

How do Cal State mathematics programs compare in terms of affordability?

Cal State Los Angeles offers the lowest net cost at $4,113, followed by Cal State San Bernardino at $5,918 and Cal State Fresno at $6,480. Most Cal State campuses maintain net costs below $11,000 while producing graduates earning between $35,000-$47,000. These programs accept over 85% of applicants, making mathematics education widely accessible.

Is the UC system worth the additional cost for mathematics degrees?

UC mathematics programs cost $11,750-$14,979 in net expenses but deliver higher earnings and graduation rates. UCLA graduates earn $53,775 with a 92.70% graduation rate, while UC Berkeley produces graduates earning $52,107. UC San Diego offers the best UC value at $11,750 net cost with strong mathematical research opportunities.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in California mathematics programs?

Higher-cost programs generally show better graduation rates, with UC schools achieving 85-93% completion compared to 50-70% at most Cal State campuses. However, Cal State Long Beach breaks this pattern with a 69.90% graduation rate and moderate $8,931 net cost. Cal Poly Pomona also performs well at 66.70% graduation rate for $11,580 annually.

Where can mathematics students find the best return on investment in California?

Cal State Northridge offers strong value with graduates earning $47,260 against a $7,599 net cost, creating a strong earnings-to-cost ratio. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo provides the highest absolute earnings at $55,512 for career-focused students. UC San Diego balances research opportunities with reasonable costs at $11,750 net expense and solid $39,729 graduate earnings.

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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.