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Worcester State University makes mathematics education accessible at just $14,738 net cost, while MIT graduates earn $117,572 annually despite both programs costing similar amounts after aid. This $102,824 earnings gap reflects Massachusetts' dual nature as both an affordable education state and a high-tech powerhouse. The state's concentration of biotech firms, financial services companies, and research institutions around Boston creates strong demand for mathematical talent. Public universities like Bridgewater State ($17,970) and UMass-Boston ($18,282) position students for $41,193 to $44,077 starting salaries in the region's data-driven economy. Meanwhile, elite private institutions Williams College and Harvard deliver sub-$17,000 net costs through generous aid packages. Massachusetts' MassGrant Plus program further reduces expenses for in-state students, making quality mathematics programs accessible across income levels. The 20 programs span from Worcester's practical approach to Cambridge's theoretical excellence.
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 In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,738 $11,286 55.5% 87.7%
2 $14,852 $64,860 96.6% 8.5%
3 $15,432 $11,046 52.7% 86.1%
4 $16,698 $11,630 49.5% 87.4%
5 $16,816 $59,076 97.3% 3.2%
6 $17,733 $28,610 35.3% 61.9%
7 $17,970 $11,389 54.6% 87.7%
8 $18,246 $67,280 93.4% 7.3%
9 $18,282 $15,496 51.1% 80.8%
10 $18,441 $11,978 55.0% 92.7%
11 $18,561 $11,882 54.9% 81.5%
12 $18,627 $16,570 70.1% 86.0%
13 $18,707 $11,884 49.1% 92.5%
14 $19,813 $60,156 96.1% 4.0%
15 $20,605 $15,208 49.0% 95.5%
16 $21,436 $42,061 64.7% 90.9%
17 $23,691 $17,357 83.2% 63.5%
18 $24,817 $28,100 67.6% 91.8%
19 $25,008 $64,320 91.2% 13.6%
20 $25,810 $56,630 57.2% 68.9%
21 $26,181 $61,568 89.7% 22.9%
22 $26,996 $65,168 90.0% 14.4%
23 $27,313 $45,538 71.2% 76.5%
24 $27,711 $55,160 77.1% 50.3%
25 $28,853 $49,414 74.6% 82.3%
26 $29,187 $43,707 67.6% 75.6%
27 $29,562 $64,142 85.0% 39.8%
28 $29,969 $54,500 80.8% 73.4%
29 $30,031 $45,380 59.8% 86.8%
30 $30,934 $62,080 75.7% 79.5%
31 $31,065 $40,375 63.6% 84.9%
32 $31,170 $46,430 63.9% 88.0%
33 $31,569 $46,686 65.8% 79.7%
34 $31,805 $32,780 61.7% 86.2%
35 $32,116 $63,141 90.4% 6.8%
36 $33,885 $64,946 86.1% 39.4%
37 $35,435 $67,844 93.3% 9.7%
38 $36,684 $66,594 54.2% 95.5%
39 $36,868 $60,850 89.6% 36.4%
40 $37,899 $51,786 72.1% 74.6%
41 $38,787 $58,150 88.2% 57.9%
42 $39,324 $39,212 75.4% 73.3%
43 $39,866 $67,680 91.0% 16.7%
44 $43,273 $59,070 88.4% 57.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Worcester State University the cheapest option for mathematics at $14,738?

Worcester State combines low in-state tuition of $11,286 with substantial aid packages to achieve the lowest net cost. The university maintains an 87.66% acceptance rate while delivering solid mathematics preparation for regional employers. Graduates typically carry $23,750 in debt, which remains manageable given the strong job market in central Massachusetts.

How do elite private colleges like Williams and Harvard achieve such low net costs?

Williams College costs just $14,852 net despite $64,860 sticker price through need-based aid that eliminates costs for most families. Harvard follows suit at $16,816 net cost with similarly generous financial aid programs. Both institutions maintain acceptance rates below 9% while delivering 96%+ graduation rates and strong earning potential.

Is MIT worth the $19,813 cost given the $117,572 average earnings?

MIT graduates earn nearly three times more than the $38,289-$45,696 range at state universities, justifying the higher cost. The institute maintains a 96.1% graduation rate and just $9,751 average debt load. Boston's concentration of tech companies, biotech firms, and financial institutions creates strong opportunities for MIT mathematics alumni.

Does attending a Massachusetts state university limit career prospects in mathematics?

State university graduates earn $38,289 to $45,696 starting salaries, reflecting strong regional demand for mathematical skills. UMass-Lowell graduates average $45,696 with a 70.1% graduation rate, demonstrating solid outcomes at just $18,627 net cost. The state's biotech corridor and financial services sector actively recruit from public institutions.

Where can students find the best value combination of cost and graduation rates?

UMass-Lowell offers strong value with a 70.1% graduation rate and $45,696 earnings at $18,627 net cost. Bridgewater State provides another strong option with 54.6% graduation rate and $44,077 earnings for $17,970. Both institutions benefit from proximity to Boston's job market while maintaining affordable public university pricing.

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.