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Cheapest Mathematics Colleges in Wisconsin

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

Mathematics programs in Wisconsin show a dramatic cost divide between public and private options, with University of Wisconsin-Parkside offering the lowest net price at $10,044 compared to Mount Mary University at $18,295. The state's 15 mathematics programs span from Superior near the Minnesota border to Milwaukee's urban center, where Epic Systems has become one of the world's largest healthcare software companies and actively recruits mathematicians for data analysis roles. Wisconsin's public universities dominate the affordable end, with 10 of the 12 cheapest programs coming from the UW system. Graduation rates vary significantly, from University of Wisconsin-Madison's strong 89.30% to University of Wisconsin-Parkside's 39.80%, suggesting that the lowest cost option may not always provide the best outcomes. Mathematics graduates from Wisconsin schools earn between $39,585 and $53,775 annually, with Milwaukee campus graduates commanding the highest salaries at $53,775, reflecting the city's growing technology and healthcare sectors.
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 In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,044 $7,855 39.8% 72.8%
2 $12,878 $8,342 53.1% 89.6%
3 $13,405 $8,487 44.1% 95.6%
4 $13,726 $8,834 56.0% 89.1%
5 $14,714 $8,606 60.9% 84.5%
6 $14,754 $8,315 61.5% 85.4%
7 $14,761 $8,212 57.9% 88.5%
8 $14,785 $8,250 64.3% 82.4%
9 $15,374 $9,651 71.2% 74.3%
10 $16,177 $10,020 51.2% 86.3%
11 $16,722 $32,794 50.5% 89.9%
12 $16,928 $11,205 89.3% 49.1%
13 $16,948 $9,277 67.6% 76.6%
14 $18,295 $34,390 58.9% 69.5%
15 $20,780 $42,491 43.3% 68.4%
16 $21,176 $50,700 59.9% 81.3%
17 $21,315 $35,080 62.7% 93.8%
18 $21,924 $58,554 67.2% 65.9%
19 $22,092 $32,286 55.7% 99.5%
20 $22,633 $32,350 65.2% 72.4%
21 $23,341 $33,000 41.2% 71.6%
22 $24,362 $37,230 69.6% 72.1%
23 $24,563 $55,461 76.4% 72.3%
24 $24,659 $20,280 65.7% 75.1%
25 $24,813 $36,500 60.5% 81.8%
26 $25,634 $34,850 67.4% 98.6%
27 $25,674 $44,432 73.6% 83.6%
28 $26,067 $34,250 64.3% 70.4%
29 $29,237 $48,700 80.1% 87.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Wisconsin-Parkside so much cheaper than other mathematics programs?

University of Wisconsin-Parkside offers the lowest net price at $10,044, primarily due to its in-state tuition of just $7,855 and generous financial aid packages. However, this comes with trade-offs including a 39.80% graduation rate, the lowest among Wisconsin mathematics programs. The school serves many first-generation college students and working adults in the Kenosha area. Students should weigh the significant cost savings against the lower completion rates when making their decision.

How do earnings compare between Wisconsin's most and least expensive mathematics programs?

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee graduates earn $53,775 annually despite having a net price of $16,177, while University of Wisconsin-Platteville graduates earn $39,585 with a net price of $14,754. This $14,190 earnings difference shows that slightly higher program costs can translate to significantly better career outcomes. The Milwaukee location provides access to major employers like GE Healthcare and emerging tech companies. Mathematics graduates should consider long-term earning potential alongside upfront costs.

Is University of Wisconsin-Madison worth the higher cost for mathematics students?

UW-Madison charges $16,928 in net costs but delivers an outstanding 89.30% graduation rate, the highest among Wisconsin mathematics programs. Graduates earn $52,107 annually and carry $20,080 in debt, both favorable compared to many other options. The school's research opportunities and connections to major Wisconsin employers like Epic Systems provide significant career advantages. The higher cost often pays for itself through better job placement and earning potential.

Does attending a private mathematics program in Wisconsin offer better value than public options?

Wisconsin's private mathematics programs generally cost more without delivering superior outcomes compared to public alternatives. Alverno College charges $16,722 net with a 50.50% graduation rate, while UW-La Crosse costs $15,374 with a 71.20% graduation rate and $47,846 in graduate earnings. Mount Mary University at $18,295 has a 58.90% graduation rate but lacks available earnings data. Most students will find better value in the state's public university system for mathematics education.

Where should mathematics students focus their applications for the best combination of affordability and outcomes?

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse offers excellent value at $15,374 net price with a strong 71.20% graduation rate and $47,846 in graduate earnings. UW-Whitewater provides similar affordability at $14,785 with competitive outcomes including $43,426 earnings and manageable $18,942 debt levels. Both schools significantly outperform the cheapest option, UW-Parkside, in graduation rates while maintaining reasonable costs. Students should prioritize these mid-range public options over either extreme.

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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.