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Cheapest Mathematics Colleges in Pennsylvania

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Cheyney University of Pennsylvania offers the state's most affordable mathematics degree at just $9,837 net cost, while Swarthmore College graduates earn $125,015 annually despite charging significantly more. This $15,000+ gap between the cheapest options reveals how Pennsylvania's mathematics programs serve different student populations and career paths. The state's growing healthcare sector, anchored by UPMC and major pharmaceutical companies, creates strong demand for mathematical modeling and statistical analysis skills. Public universities like East Stroudsburg and Indiana University of Pennsylvania provide solid middle-ground options around $15,000-$17,000 net cost. Private colleges such as Holy Family University surprisingly rank among the most affordable at $12,251 net cost, demonstrating how generous financial aid can make private education competitive. With graduation rates ranging from 16% to 94%, students must balance cost against completion likelihood and career outcomes when choosing their mathematics program.
50
Programs
$9,837 – $29,219
Net Price Range
$48,442
Avg. Program Earnings
61.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Mathematics Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $9,837 $10,904 16.2%
2 $12,251 $33,968 60.4% 77.4%
3 $12,912 $12,512 52.1% 80.6%
4 $15,089 $11,036 43.8% 93.6%
5 $17,216 $11,380 52.4% 91.9%
6 $18,686 $62,412 94.1% 6.9%
7 $18,952 $14,646 53.4% 97.4%
8 $19,173 $41,720 72.8% 73.1%
9 $19,258 $47,675 59.6% 75.2%
10 $19,524 $10,507 65.9% 74.3%
11 $19,600 $27,804 46.3% 80.0%
12 $19,685 $24,606 59.7% 95.6%
13 $20,231 $12,262 54.4% 92.4%
14 $20,356 $22,171 43.5% 75.6%
15 $20,800 $39,470 65.9% 75.3%
16 $20,822 $34,502 55.2% 92.7%
17 $21,205 $11,230 54.1% 96.1%
18 $21,241 $27,000 51.8% 94.1%
19 $21,409 $35,570 57.9% 94.3%
20 $21,664 $28,794 42.2% 84.9%
21 $21,873 $32,400 54.2% 65.2%
22 $21,900 $54,960 66.5% 69.7%
23 $21,972 $33,120 57.7% 97.4%
24 $22,222 $39,570 72.5% 80.8%
25 $22,558 $41,414 71.0% 78.3%
26 $22,673 $10,687 69.8% 87.9%
27 $22,746 $36,864 43.5% 82.3%
28 $22,909 $44,934 58.2% 84.3%
29 $23,206 $37,951 69.5% 80.9%
30 $23,281 $42,600 60.1% 96.0%
31 $23,331 $41,100 72.1% 73.4%
32 $23,553 $13,544 51.6% 87.8%
33 $24,051 $35,815 50.5% 78.5%
34 $24,829 $38,370 69.2% 88.7%
35 $25,157 $29,460 60.5% 75.6%
36 $25,210 $68,300 89.4% 14.2%
37 $25,544 $28,185 71.4% 88.1%
38 $25,717 $43,810 66.2% 66.3%
39 $25,866 $48,290 64.0% 77.6%
40 $25,885 $37,420 56.0% 63.2%
41 $26,198 $36,842 77.1% 81.1%
42 $26,539 $57,400 74.1% 76.7%
43 $27,141 $38,310 58.5% 58.4%
44 $27,263 $44,510 58.7% 80.6%
45 $27,663 $56,402 68.9% 76.2%
46 $27,686 $40,640 78.5% 79.4%
47 $27,700 $42,286 60.3% 94.1%
48 $28,132 $50,320 72.5% 76.7%
49 $28,329 $42,810 58.5% 59.0%
50 $29,219 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge earnings difference between Pennsylvania mathematics graduates?

Swarthmore College mathematics graduates earn $125,015 annually compared to $37,568 at University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown, reflecting institutional selectivity and alumni networks. Swarthmore accepts only 6.93% of applicants and maintains a 94.1% graduation rate, producing graduates who often enter high-paying fields like finance and consulting. The $87,447 earnings gap also reflects how elite liberal arts colleges prepare students differently than regional public universities. Geographic factors matter too, as Swarthmore's proximity to Philadelphia and New York financial centers creates more lucrative opportunities.

How do public university costs compare to private colleges for mathematics?

Public universities average around $15,000-$20,000 net cost, while private colleges range from $12,251 at Holy Family to over $40,000 at less generous institutions. Slippery Rock University charges $19,524 net cost with a solid 65.9% graduation rate, making it competitive with many private options. However, private colleges often provide more financial aid, as Holy Family demonstrates by reducing its $33,968 sticker price to just $12,251 net cost. In-state students at public universities pay significantly less in published tuition but similar net costs after aid.

Is Cheyney University worth considering despite its low graduation rate?

Cheyney's 16.2% graduation rate raises serious completion concerns despite offering Pennsylvania's cheapest mathematics program at $9,837 net cost. Students considering Cheyney should evaluate their academic preparedness and support systems carefully, as the low completion rate suggests many students struggle to finish. Alternative affordable options like Lincoln University cost only $3,000 more at $12,912 but maintain a 52.1% graduation rate. The savings at Cheyney become meaningless if students don't complete their degree and enter the workforce.

What makes Holy Family University such an affordable private option?

Holy Family University reduces its $33,968 published tuition to just $12,251 net cost through substantial financial aid, making it Pennsylvania's second-most affordable mathematics program. The Philadelphia location provides access to finance, healthcare, and technology employers who value mathematical skills. With a 60.4% graduation rate and 77.44% acceptance rate, Holy Family offers reasonable completion odds for students who might not qualify for more selective programs. The Catholic institution's mission-driven approach often translates to generous aid packages for students from various economic backgrounds.

Where do Pennsylvania mathematics graduates typically find employment?

Pennsylvania's major employers like UPMC, Comcast, and pharmaceutical companies actively recruit mathematics graduates for data analysis, actuarial work, and research positions. The healthcare sector, particularly strong in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, needs mathematical modelers for clinical trials and population health studies. Financial services companies throughout the state hire mathematics majors for risk analysis and algorithmic trading roles. Technology firms, including those in Philadelphia's growing tech corridor, seek graduates for software development and machine learning applications.

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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.