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Best Value Mathematics Colleges in Illinois

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

Mathematics programs across Illinois reveal stark differences in both cost and career outcomes, with net prices ranging from $8,916 at University of Illinois Springfield to $29,141 at DePaul University. The state's finance sector, anchored by Chicago's commodity exchanges and banking institutions, creates strong demand for mathematical talent in quantitative analysis and risk management. University of Chicago stands out with graduates earning $72,022 annually despite a modest $18,967 net price, while Northwestern University produces the highest earners at $75,518 but requires a significant investment of $27,143. Public institutions dominate the lower cost ranges, with seven schools offering net prices under $15,000. However, graduation rates vary dramatically across price points, from just 16.8% at Northeastern Illinois University to 95.9% at Northwestern. Illinois students benefit from the MAP Grant program, which helps bridge affordability gaps for qualifying families. The data shows that strategic school selection can yield strong returns, particularly for students targeting Chicago's financial district or the state's growing tech sector.
47
Programs
$8,837 – $35,196
Net Price Range
$46,986
Avg. Program Earnings
57.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

47 Mathematics Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $8,916 $52,107 $12,252 61.4% 82.0%
2 $18,967 $72,022 $66,939 94.9% 5.4%
3 $12,909 $43,922 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
4 $12,437 $41,937 $49,834 79.2% 61.2%
5 $13,550 $45,128 $12,383 16.8% 62.7%
6 $15,201 $48,823 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
7 $27,143 $75,518 $65,997 95.9% 7.2%
8 $12,313 $33,993 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
9 $13,696 $35,600 $12,922 55.0% 97.5%
10 $20,152 $50,105 $20,280 41.0% 88.3%
11 $14,093 $34,603 $13,403 45.2% 68.0%
12 $18,996 $44,742 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
13 $29,141 $58,402 $44,460 70.0% 70.2%
14 $21,063 $41,565 $41,628 65.2% 76.0%
15 $16,177 $31,670 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
16 $26,984 $49,683 $43,930 86.6% 88.4%
17 $24,190 $41,565 $34,070 59.5% 68.4%
18 $29,550 $44,356 $55,704 82.5% 42.2%
19 $15,113 $37,844 62.4% 89.5%
20 $16,284 $37,000 64.6% 58.4%
21 $12,093 $36,840 59.0% 84.1%
22 $23,066 $37,300 38.3% 54.9%
23 $17,324 $35,740 42.7% 61.7%
24 $21,539 $37,940 60.3% 57.8%
25 $16,381 $20,325 63.9% 70.7%
26 $21,386 $12,320 45.7% 91.3%
27 $11,592 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
28 $18,370 $37,882 62.6% 74.1%
29 $18,191 $35,325 56.0% 68.0%
30 $21,270 $30,598 51.4% 94.1%
31 $18,992 $28,220 58.3% 81.9%
32 $21,814 $26,758 52.4% 64.4%
33 $23,572 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%
34 $10,133 $12,754 16.9% 48.5%
35 $16,774 $36,258 47.4% 93.0%
36 $21,055 $26,100 23.0%
37 $22,048 $28,400 40.6% 86.7%
38 $9,477 $11,320 19.6% 57.5%
39 $23,033 $44,394 71.1% 60.9%
40 $23,529 $34,290 51.0% 93.1%
41 $17,945 $37,470 61.1% 77.2%
42 $25,027 $30,910 53.3% 58.2%
43 $24,875 $55,587 67.5% 73.3%
44 $27,499 $54,202 70.4% 59.7%
45 $35,196 $51,716 76.9% 79.2%
46 $8,837 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
47 $18,034 $43,520 60.1% 90.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Chicago such a strong value for mathematics students?

University of Chicago delivers strong returns with graduates earning $72,022 annually while maintaining a net price of just $18,967. The school achieves a 94.9% graduation rate and graduates typically carry only $12,000 in debt. Its rigorous mathematics program and proximity to Chicago's financial sector create strong career placement opportunities in quantitative fields.

How do public universities in Illinois compare for mathematics affordability?

Illinois public universities offer mathematics programs with net prices ranging from $8,916 to $18,996, making them highly accessible options. University of Illinois Springfield provides the lowest cost at $8,916, while UIUC offers strong earning potential at $48,823 for graduates. Most public schools maintain in-state tuition under $17,000, with the MAP Grant providing additional support for qualifying students.

Is Northwestern University worth the higher investment for mathematics majors?

Northwestern University produces the highest-earning mathematics graduates in Illinois at $75,518 annually, justifying its $27,143 net price for many students. The school maintains a 95.9% graduation rate and graduates carry manageable debt loads of $12,418. However, admission remains highly competitive with just a 7.21% acceptance rate, requiring strong academic credentials.

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

Graduation rates vary significantly across cost levels, from 16.8% at Northeastern Illinois University to 95.9% at Northwestern University. However, cost alone doesn't determine success rates, as University of Chicago achieves 94.9% graduation despite moderate costs. Public universities show mixed results, with UIUC reaching 84.9% while Eastern Illinois University graduates just 45.2% of students.

Where do Illinois mathematics graduates find the best career opportunities?

Chicago's financial district offers prime opportunities for mathematics graduates, with major commodity exchanges and banking institutions requiring quantitative analysts. Graduates earning $72,022 from University of Chicago and $75,518 from Northwestern often enter roles in derivatives trading, risk management, and actuarial science. The state's manufacturing sector also employs mathematics graduates in operations research and quality control positions.

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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.