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Best Value Mathematics Colleges in Iowa

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

Drake University graduates earning $65,238 represent the highest mathematics salaries in Iowa, yet their $30,042 net cost creates an intriguing value proposition against public alternatives. University of Northern Iowa offers mathematics training for just $14,609 annually while maintaining a 69% graduation rate, making it Iowa's most affordable option. The state's insurance giants like Principal Financial and agricultural technology companies such as John Deere create steady demand for quantitative analysts and data scientists with mathematics backgrounds. Grinnell College stands out with an 88% graduation rate despite accepting only 11% of applicants, though its $15,608 net cost masks a $65,000 sticker price offset by generous aid. Iowa State produces mathematics graduates earning $44,542 while charging $18,165 net, positioning it as a middle-ground choice. The earnings gap between top performers like Drake and more affordable options like Northern Iowa reflects Iowa's bifurcated job market, where finance and technology roles command premiums while education and government positions offer stability at lower compensation levels.
25
Programs
$14,609 – $30,042
Net Price Range
$46,963
Avg. Program Earnings
59.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

25 Mathematics Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,609 $42,276 $9,728 68.9% 95.0%
2 $21,398 $57,318 $10,964 73.1% 86.0%
3 $15,608 $39,369 $64,862 87.5% 10.8%
4 $18,165 $44,542 $10,497 75.5% 90.2%
5 $30,042 $65,238 $49,944 77.3% 67.2%
6 $22,353 $46,790 $20,988 69.2% 79.2%
7 $22,604 $42,682 $51,040 66.8% 97.5%
8 $22,231 $41,025 $46,212 65.7% 89.1%
9 $25,635 $43,426 $50,320 75.0% 75.3%
10 $22,115 $28,750 29.2% 57.7%
11 $21,590 $35,534 49.4%
12 $23,172 $19,000 41.5% 54.2%
13 $22,750 $35,598 62.8% 73.9%
14 $23,519 $35,300 63.6% 87.3%
15 $23,435 $39,070 55.9% 75.3%
16 $23,169 $38,190 52.8% 70.6%
17 $18,225 $16,530 17.6% 94.3%
18 $21,057 $38,298 69.9% 89.8%
19 $15,975 $33,220 38.3% 74.5%
20 $23,250 $40,065 41.1% 85.1%
21 $25,383 $35,960 65.3% 87.7%
22 $25,079 $50,634 71.7% 79.3%
23 $19,155 $52,576 59.0%
24 $20,068 $39,600 54.9% 84.8%
25 $18,321 $40,190 47.3% 77.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $50,000 earnings difference between Drake and Grinnell mathematics graduates?

Drake graduates earn $65,238 compared to Grinnell's $39,369, largely reflecting career path differences rather than program quality. Drake's Des Moines location provides direct access to Principal Financial, Wells Fargo, and other major employers seeking quantitative finance professionals. Grinnell graduates often pursue graduate school or public service roles that offer lower starting salaries but greater long-term growth potential. Both schools maintain strong alumni networks in different sectors of Iowa's economy.

How do Iowa's public universities compare for mathematics value?

University of Northern Iowa offers the lowest cost at $14,609 with graduates earning $42,276, creating excellent return on investment for education-focused careers. University of Iowa charges $21,398 but delivers $57,318 in graduate earnings, making it optimal for students targeting higher-paying private sector roles. Iowa State falls between these options at $18,165 cost and $44,542 earnings, particularly strong for students interested in agricultural technology applications. All three maintain acceptance rates above 86%, ensuring accessible admission.

Does Grinnell's 11% acceptance rate justify its mathematics program costs?

Grinnell's selectivity reflects academic rigor that produces an 88% graduation rate, far above most Iowa competitors. The $15,608 net cost makes it surprisingly affordable despite the $65,000 sticker price, thanks to need-based aid covering most expenses for qualified families. However, graduates earn just $39,369, suggesting the value lies in graduate school preparation rather than immediate employment. Students should consider their post-graduation goals when weighing Grinnell's academic reputation against earning potential.

Where do Iowa mathematics graduates find the best employment opportunities?

Des Moines anchors Iowa's financial sector with Principal Financial, EMC Insurance, and regional banks actively recruiting mathematics graduates for actuarial and risk analysis roles. Cedar Rapids and Davenport offer opportunities in manufacturing analytics, while Iowa City benefits from university research positions and healthcare data analysis. John Deere's Moline headquarters across the Mississippi River provides agricultural technology careers for Iowa graduates. Starting salaries range from $39,000 in education to $65,000 in corporate finance, reflecting the varied application of mathematical skills across Iowa industries.

Is the graduation rate gap between public and private schools significant for mathematics students?

Private colleges average 66% graduation rates compared to 72% for Iowa's public universities, though individual results vary considerably. Grinnell leads at 88% while William Penn struggles at 29%, showing that institutional support matters more than public versus private status. University of Iowa's 73% rate exceeds most private competitors while maintaining much lower costs. Mathematics programs typically show higher completion rates than university averages, as students enter with strong quantitative backgrounds and clear career objectives.

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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.