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Best Value Mathematics Colleges in Michigan

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

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor mathematics graduates command the highest salaries in the state at $65,938, nearly double the $30,554 earned by Central Michigan University graduates despite both being public institutions. This earnings gap of over $35,000 reflects the varying career paths mathematics majors pursue across Michigan's economy. The state's automotive giants like Ford and General Motors increasingly rely on mathematicians for autonomous vehicle algorithms and predictive analytics, creating demand for quantitative skills. Net costs range from just $10,904 at UM-Dearborn to $33,995 at Lawrence Technological University. Michigan's public universities dominate the value equation, with 10 of the top 15 programs charging under $18,000 annually. The Michigan Achievement Scholarship provides up to $5,500 for residents, further reducing costs at state schools. Mathematics programs here serve both traditional academic paths and Michigan's evolving tech sector, where data science and machine learning applications drive innovation in manufacturing and healthcare.
30
Programs
$10,904 – $33,995
Net Price Range
$41,843
Avg. Program Earnings
61.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

30 Mathematics Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,832 $65,938 $17,228 93.2% 17.7%
2 $10,904 $47,260 $14,944 56.6% 54.1%
3 $14,773 $46,087 $14,297 56.5% 75.3%
4 $13,584 $39,729 $14,694 56.9% 90.1%
5 $17,084 $41,937 $15,510 45.5% 83.2%
6 $14,582 $35,060 $12,240 53.8% 76.4%
7 $17,096 $40,580 $14,628 68.6% 90.4%
8 $17,485 $35,640 $13,304 50.8% 70.6%
9 $16,041 $30,554 $14,190 61.8% 79.0%
10 $20,751 $39,153 $15,988 82.2% 88.0%
11 $24,783 $38,337 $38,670 77.4% 74.2%
12 $21,158 $33,076 37.0% 84.6%
13 $33,995 $41,872 62.6% 81.9%
14 $17,185 $29,778 51.1% 65.0%
15 $12,280 $14,014 44.6% 66.4%
16 $20,899 $32,580 59.9% 47.3%
17 $15,729 $18,392 68.7% 93.7%
18 $18,701 $15,298 57.8% 84.6%
19 $17,815 $27,360 58.1% 64.8%
20 $21,504 $40,556 56.0% 69.1%
21 $14,368 $14,266 56.9% 76.9%
22 $18,873 $58,764 81.7% 79.3%
23 $25,749 $40,420 82.3% 80.5%
24 $22,384 $29,100 61.6% 81.8%
25 $16,179 $32,300 68.1% 90.5%
26 $26,409 $34,200 50.0% 70.2%
27 $18,902 $38,520 62.5% 90.8%
28 $18,597 $33,710 65.9% 91.3%
29 $24,663 $47,430 63.7% 64.7%
30 $16,882 $55,746 57.1% 66.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $35,000 salary difference between top and bottom mathematics programs in Michigan?

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor graduates earn $65,938 compared to $30,554 at Central Michigan University, reflecting differences in career placement and alumni networks. Ann Arbor's 93.20% graduation rate and 17.69% acceptance rate indicate highly selective admissions that correlate with better outcomes. The school's proximity to tech companies and research opportunities creates pathways to higher-paying quantitative roles. Regional economic factors also matter, as Detroit-area programs often connect students with automotive industry positions that require advanced mathematical modeling.

How do Michigan's public universities compare to private options for mathematics value?

Public schools dominate the value rankings, with UM-Dearborn offering the lowest net cost at $10,904 while private Lawrence Technological charges $33,995. Wayne State University provides strong value at $14,773 with graduates earning $46,087 in Detroit's growing tech sector. Calvin University represents the best private option at $24,783, though its graduates earn $38,337, less than several public alternatives. The Michigan Achievement Scholarship exclusively benefits in-state students at public institutions, widening the cost advantage.

Does graduation rate correlate with earnings for mathematics majors in Michigan?

Higher graduation rates generally align with better earnings, though exceptions exist. Michigan State's 82.20% graduation rate corresponds with moderate earnings of $39,153, while Grand Valley State's 68.60% rate yields $40,580 in graduate income. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor combines the highest graduation rate at 93.20% with top earnings at $65,938. However, some programs like Northern Michigan University show 50.80% graduation rates but still prepare students for $35,640 careers in specialized mathematical fields.

What role does location play in mathematics career outcomes across Michigan?

Detroit-area programs like Wayne State and UM-Dearborn benefit from proximity to automotive headquarters requiring quantitative analysts and data scientists. Ann Arbor's research environment connects students with university labs and nearby tech companies, contributing to the $65,938 average salary. Western Michigan programs in Grand Rapids access insurance and healthcare companies seeking actuarial and statistical expertise. Even northern schools like Northern Michigan University in Marquette serve regional industries needing mathematical modeling for mining and logistics operations.

Is student debt manageable for mathematics majors at Michigan schools?

Debt levels remain reasonable across most programs, ranging from $19,250 at Michigan State to $30,029 at Eastern Michigan University. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor graduates carry $20,675 in debt but earn $65,938, creating a favorable debt-to-income ratio. Wayne State mathematics majors face $27,000 in debt against $46,087 salaries, representing about 59% of first-year earnings. The combination of strong starting salaries and Michigan's relatively low tuition costs creates sustainable debt loads for most graduates entering quantitative careers.

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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.