by our College Data Analytics Team
[Financial Mathematics](/majors/mathematics-and-statistics/applied-mathematics/financial-mathematics/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 10 schools to find the best return on investment for financial mathematics students.
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Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in financial mathematics, balancing cost against outcomes.
Our analysis ranked Pennsylvania State University World Campus the best value for a degree in financial mathematics in Pennsylvania. Located in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University World Campus is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,356. Median earnings reach $63,435 ten years out. The acceptance rate is 91%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Pennsylvania earned it the #2 place for financial mathematics. Located in the city of Philadelphia, University Of Pennsylvania is a very large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $68,686 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for financial mathematics graduates is $16,155. Early-career financial mathematics graduates make about $99,682. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 5%.
A rank of #3 makes Carnegie Mellon University one of the best values for financial mathematics. Carnegie Mellon University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Pittsburgh. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,636. Typical student debt for financial mathematics graduates is $23,529. Early-career financial mathematics graduates make about $89,327. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 12%.
Students looking for strong value in financial mathematics will find it at Pennsylvania State University Main Campus, which ranked #4. Set in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $20,644, compared with $41,790 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,435 ten years after entry. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in financial mathematics will find it at Lehigh University, which ranked #5. Set in the city of Bethlehem, Lehigh University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $64,980. Students borrow a median of $23,008 to complete the financial mathematics program here. Soon after graduation, financial mathematics degree recipients from Lehigh University generally make around $70,321. Set against $23,008 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lehigh University admits about 26% of applicants.
Duquesne University landed the #6 spot for financial mathematics value this year. Duquesne University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Pittsburgh. Students from in state pay about $48,986 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for financial mathematics graduates is $26,297. Early-career financial mathematics graduates make about $54,826. That is a strong return on a $26,297 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.
Villanova University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value financial mathematics schools. Set in the suburb of Villanova, Villanova University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,776. Financial Mathematics graduates carry a median of $26,184 in student loans. Financial Mathematics graduates of Villanova University earn a median of $72,601 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,184 median debt. The acceptance rate is 27%.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 10 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
