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Best Value Mathematics Colleges in Wisconsin

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

Wisconsin's mathematics programs show dramatic cost differences that don't always predict earnings outcomes. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee delivers the highest graduate earnings at $53,775 while maintaining a net cost of just $16,177, creating strong return potential. Meanwhile, Marquette University commands the highest net price at $29,237 yet produces graduates earning $45,119, nearly $9,000 less than UW-Milwaukee alumni. The state's strong technology sector, anchored by Epic Systems in Madison and GE Healthcare's medical device operations, creates solid demand for mathematics graduates across actuarial science, data analysis, and software development roles. Public universities dominate the value equation, with eight of the top ten schools offering in-state tuition below $12,000. However, graduation rates vary significantly, from University of Wisconsin-Madison's impressive 89.3% to University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's more modest 51.2%, suggesting that program completion presents different challenges across institutions despite similar mathematical rigor.
29
Programs
$10,044 – $29,237
Net Price Range
$45,279
Avg. Program Earnings
61.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

29 Mathematics Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $16,177 $53,775 $10,020 51.2% 86.3%
2 $15,374 $47,846 $9,651 71.2% 74.3%
3 $16,928 $52,107 $11,205 89.3% 49.1%
4 $13,726 $40,896 $8,834 56.0% 89.1%
5 $14,785 $43,426 $8,250 64.3% 82.4%
6 $14,754 $39,585 $8,315 61.5% 85.4%
7 $16,948 $44,921 $9,277 67.6% 76.6%
8 $25,674 $47,260 $44,432 73.6% 83.6%
9 $29,237 $45,119 $48,700 80.1% 87.2%
10 $24,813 $37,856 $36,500 60.5% 81.8%
11 $12,878 $8,342 53.1% 89.6%
12 $21,924 $58,554 67.2% 65.9%
13 $14,714 $8,606 60.9% 84.5%
14 $24,362 $37,230 69.6% 72.1%
15 $26,067 $34,250 64.3% 70.4%
16 $13,405 $8,487 44.1% 95.6%
17 $10,044 $7,855 39.8% 72.8%
18 $14,761 $8,212 57.9% 88.5%
19 $21,315 $35,080 62.7% 93.8%
20 $25,634 $34,850 67.4% 98.6%
21 $24,659 $20,280 65.7% 75.1%
22 $22,092 $32,286 55.7% 99.5%
23 $24,563 $55,461 76.4% 72.3%
24 $22,633 $32,350 65.2% 72.4%
25 $16,722 $32,794 50.5% 89.9%
26 $21,176 $50,700 59.9% 81.3%
27 $20,780 $42,491 43.3% 68.4%
28 $18,295 $34,390 58.9% 69.5%
29 $23,341 $33,000 41.2% 71.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee stand out for mathematics value?

UW-Milwaukee mathematics graduates earn $53,775 annually, the highest among Wisconsin programs, while paying a net cost of only $16,177. The school accepts 86.32% of applicants, making it accessible to most students. However, the graduation rate stands at 51.2%, suggesting students need strong self-motivation to complete the program successfully.

How do private college mathematics programs compare financially to public options?

Private colleges charge significantly more, with net costs ranging from $21,924 at Beloit College to $29,237 at Marquette University. Saint Norbert College graduates earn $47,260, competitive with public school outcomes, but students pay $25,674 in net costs. Public universities typically cost $12,878 to $16,948, making them substantially more affordable for similar career outcomes.

Does University of Wisconsin-Madison justify its higher costs for mathematics?

UW-Madison charges a net cost of $16,928, among the highest for public universities, but delivers strong results with graduates earning $52,107 annually. The school maintains an strong 89.3% graduation rate, the highest in the state. With acceptance rates at 49.06%, admission is competitive, but students who enroll typically complete their degrees successfully.

Where do Wisconsin mathematics graduates typically find employment?

Epic Systems in Madison hires mathematics graduates for software development and data analysis roles supporting healthcare technology. GE Healthcare's Wisconsin operations employ mathematicians in medical device research and quality control. The state's insurance industry, centered in Milwaukee, actively recruits mathematics graduates for actuarial positions, while manufacturing companies like Kimberly-Clark utilize mathematical modeling for operations research.

What accounts for the wide graduation rate differences across Wisconsin mathematics programs?

Graduation rates range from 51.2% at UW-Milwaukee to 89.3% at UW-Madison, reflecting different student preparation levels and institutional support systems. Schools with higher acceptance rates, like UW-Stevens Point at 89.05%, often see lower completion rates around 56%. More selective programs typically retain students better, though this varies based on academic support services and program structure.

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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.