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Best Value Mathematics Colleges in North Carolina

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

Duke University mathematics graduates earn $81,333 annually while UNC Greensboro offers the same degree for just $10,170 net cost, creating an earnings gap of more than $44,000 between the state's most expensive and most affordable options. North Carolina's mathematics programs span from ultra-selective Duke with its 6.35% acceptance rate to widely accessible schools like UNC Greensboro accepting 91.94% of applicants. The state's growing Research Triangle technology sector has created strong demand for quantitative skills, particularly in data analysis and financial modeling roles at companies like SAS Institute and Credit Suisse's Charlotte operations. Public universities dominate the value equation, with seven of the top ten schools offering in-state tuition below $9,000. UNC Chapel Hill delivers the strongest combination of selectivity and outcomes, graduating 92.10% of students who earn $48,198 on average while maintaining relatively low debt levels at $15,127.
44
Programs
$7,237 – $41,048
Net Price Range
$44,061
Avg. Program Earnings
54.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

44 Mathematics Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,983 $48,198 $8,989 92.1% 17.1%
2 $10,170 $37,208 $7,593 57.9% 91.9%
3 $12,579 $34,704 $4,532 59.1% 84.8%
4 $14,745 $39,774 $7,214 67.7% 79.6%
5 $12,865 $33,993 $7,461 55.0% 74.3%
6 $16,514 $42,123 $7,361 62.1% 92.3%
7 $28,746 $70,456 $64,758 90.9% 21.4%
8 $34,454 $81,333 $65,805 95.8% 6.4%
9 $19,472 $38,597 $7,317 70.7% 68.8%
10 $16,487 $29,685 $7,541 73.1% 83.1%
11 $16,931 $28,598 $8,895 84.6% 47.2%
12 $17,893 $25,950 47.5% 74.6%
13 $20,197 $43,936 65.0% 73.2%
14 $10,980 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
15 $15,028 $6,542 46.0% 84.4%
16 $18,165 $35,536 40.4% 68.4%
17 $9,918 $3,571 44.5% 89.7%
18 $21,953 $33,930 42.6% 69.1%
19 $27,786 $43,285 65.9% 71.3%
20 $18,835 $32,236 56.3% 87.5%
21 $14,083 $17,176 20.2% 61.0%
22 $23,719 $40,290 43.2% 84.0%
23 $21,371 $40,196 46.8% 86.2%
24 $13,393 $6,735 48.6% 73.4%
25 $41,048 $44,536 83.0% 74.5%
26 $23,665 $35,600 51.5% 94.6%
27 $23,613 $19,500 46.4% 97.2%
28 $22,858 $19,140 20.6% 44.6%
29 $21,376 $31,250 39.0% 39.9%
30 $23,991 $40,410 55.9% 88.6%
31 $18,210 $33,400 52.1% 67.1%
32 $16,189 $27,110 28.5% 86.7%
33 $18,127 $60,300 91.9% 17.0%
34 $7,237 $3,412 48.1% 74.2%
35 $24,978 $39,664 40.1% 75.7%
36 $7,360 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
37 $24,137 $33,450 61.7% 75.0%
38 $19,314 $20,400 40.8% 84.3%
39 $21,200 $41,140 47.7% 83.5%
40 $40,721 $44,208 70.0% 78.9%
41 $20,011 $20,480 34.1% 25.3%
42 $23,393 $30,900 51.0% 82.9%
43 $15,662 $18,296 27.1% 63.8%
44 $20,313 $37,270 41.9% 74.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes UNC Chapel Hill's mathematics program such strong value despite higher costs?

UNC Chapel Hill graduates earn $48,198 annually with a 92.10% graduation rate, significantly outperforming most state schools. The $12,983 net cost remains reasonable for the outcomes delivered. Students graduate with just $15,127 in debt, well below the state average. The combination of academic rigor and moderate debt load creates strong long-term value.

How do North Carolina's public universities compare to private schools for mathematics value?

Public universities offer substantially better value, with net costs ranging from $10,170 to $19,472 compared to private schools starting around $28,746. UNC Greensboro provides the lowest cost option at $10,170 while still producing graduates earning $37,208. Even mid-tier public options like UNC Charlotte deliver solid earnings of $39,774 for just $14,745 net cost. Private schools like Wake Forest and Duke command premium prices but deliver correspondingly higher earnings.

Is the earnings gap between schools worth the cost difference?

The earnings spread from $28,598 to $81,333 creates complex value calculations depending on debt tolerance. Duke's $81,333 average earnings justify the $34,454 net cost for many students, particularly given the $9,500 average debt load. However, UNC Chapel Hill's $48,198 earnings at $12,983 cost often provides better risk-adjusted returns. Students should weigh career goals against debt comfort levels when choosing between tiers.

Where do North Carolina mathematics graduates find the best job opportunities?

The Research Triangle area offers the strongest job market, with technology companies, pharmaceutical firms, and government contractors seeking quantitative talent. Charlotte's banking sector provides substantial opportunities in risk analysis and financial modeling roles. SAS Institute, headquartered in Cary, represents a major employer for statistics and data analysis graduates. The state's growing biotechnology industry also creates demand for mathematical modeling expertise in drug development and clinical trials.

Does acceptance rate correlate with program value in North Carolina mathematics programs?

Selective programs generally deliver higher earnings but at significant cost premiums. Duke's 6.35% acceptance rate corresponds to $81,333 earnings, while UNC Chapel Hill's 17.11% rate still produces $48,198 graduates. However, accessible schools like UNC Greensboro with 91.94% acceptance provide solid $37,208 earnings at minimal cost. The sweet spot often lies in moderately selective public universities that balance access with outcomes.

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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.