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Best Value Mathematics Colleges in Massachusetts

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

MIT delivers the highest return on investment for mathematics students in Massachusetts, with graduates earning $117,572 annually despite a net cost of just $19,813. This extraordinary value proposition stands out in a state where mathematics programs range from $14,852 to $43,273 in net costs. The earnings gap tells an even more compelling story, spanning from $29,685 to $117,572 across institutions. Massachusetts mathematics graduates enter one of the nation's strongest quantitative job markets, with major employers like Raytheon, Fidelity Investments, and countless biotech firms requiring advanced mathematical skills. Public options like UMass Lowell offer solid returns at $18,627 net cost with $45,696 earnings, while elite liberal arts colleges Williams and Amherst provide strong outcomes despite higher sticker prices. The state's concentration of research institutions and technology companies creates abundant opportunities for mathematics majors, from financial modeling in Boston's banking sector to algorithm development at emerging startups.
44
Programs
$14,738 – $43,273
Net Price Range
$54,189
Avg. Program Earnings
72.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

44 Mathematics Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $19,813 $117,572 $60,156 96.1% 4.0%
2 $18,246 $67,660 $67,280 93.4% 7.3%
3 $14,852 $53,358 $64,860 96.6% 8.5%
4 $18,627 $45,696 $16,570 70.1% 86.0%
5 $17,970 $44,077 $11,389 54.6% 87.7%
6 $18,561 $42,682 $11,882 54.9% 81.5%
7 $18,282 $41,193 $15,496 51.1% 80.8%
8 $18,441 $38,289 $11,978 55.0% 92.7%
9 $23,691 $49,019 $17,357 83.2% 63.5%
10 $32,116 $64,196 $63,141 90.4% 6.8%
11 $39,866 $70,596 $67,680 91.0% 16.7%
12 $26,996 $47,260 $65,168 90.0% 14.4%
13 $38,787 $63,997 $58,150 88.2% 57.9%
14 $28,853 $46,087 $49,414 74.6% 82.3%
15 $43,273 $63,005 $59,070 88.4% 57.5%
16 $36,868 $52,733 $60,850 89.6% 36.4%
17 $26,181 $29,685 $61,568 89.7% 22.9%
18 $33,885 $38,289 $64,946 86.1% 39.4%
19 $35,435 $67,844 93.3% 9.7%
20 $30,031 $45,380 59.8% 86.8%
21 $29,969 $54,500 80.8% 73.4%
22 $25,008 $64,320 91.2% 13.6%
23 $31,170 $46,430 63.9% 88.0%
24 $30,934 $62,080 75.7% 79.5%
25 $20,605 $15,208 49.0% 95.5%
26 $29,187 $43,707 67.6% 75.6%
27 $36,684 $66,594 54.2% 95.5%
28 $27,313 $45,538 71.2% 76.5%
29 $14,738 $11,286 55.5% 87.7%
30 $21,436 $42,061 64.7% 90.9%
31 $18,707 $11,884 49.1% 92.5%
32 $31,065 $40,375 63.6% 84.9%
33 $29,562 $64,142 85.0% 39.8%
34 $37,899 $51,786 72.1% 74.6%
35 $31,805 $32,780 61.7% 86.2%
36 $16,816 $59,076 97.3% 3.2%
37 $25,810 $56,630 57.2% 68.9%
38 $24,817 $28,100 67.6% 91.8%
39 $16,698 $11,630 49.5% 87.4%
40 $15,432 $11,046 52.7% 86.1%
41 $39,324 $39,212 75.4% 73.3%
42 $31,569 $46,686 65.8% 79.7%
43 $17,733 $28,610 35.3% 61.9%
44 $27,711 $55,160 77.1% 50.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes MIT's mathematics program such strong value despite being private?

MIT mathematics graduates earn $117,572 annually while paying just $19,813 net cost, creating one of the best return ratios in higher education. The institute's generous financial aid brings the effective cost below many public alternatives. MIT's mathematics alumni command premium salaries in quantitative finance, tech, and research sectors that cluster around Cambridge and Boston.

How do Massachusetts public universities compare for mathematics value?

UMass Lowell leads public options with graduates earning $45,696 at $18,627 net cost, significantly outperforming other state schools. UMass Amherst costs more at $23,691 but delivers $49,019 earnings with an 83.20% graduation rate. Bridgewater State and Westfield State offer the lowest costs around $18,000 but produce more modest earnings in the low $40,000s.

Is Williams College worth the investment for mathematics students?

Williams College offers the lowest net cost among elite private schools at $14,852, though graduates earn $53,358 compared to higher amounts at peer institutions. The 96.60% graduation rate demonstrates strong student support and outcomes. Williams' mathematics program particularly excels in preparing students for graduate school and academic careers.

Does location within Massachusetts affect mathematics career prospects?

Boston area schools provide direct access to the state's largest employers of mathematics talent, including biotech firms, financial services, and consulting companies. Cambridge and Boston host over 200 biotechnology companies requiring statistical analysis and mathematical modeling expertise. Students at schools like UMass Boston and Northeastern benefit from extensive internship and networking opportunities in these concentrated industries.

Where do the highest-earning mathematics graduates work after college?

MIT graduates earning $117,572 typically enter quantitative finance, tech companies, or pursue advanced research positions at institutions and corporations. Boston College graduates at $70,596 often work in financial services, consulting, or actuarial roles throughout New England. The state's biotechnology corridor from Cambridge to Worcester provides additional high-paying opportunities for mathematics graduates skilled in data analysis and computational modeling.

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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.