by our College Data Analytics Team
[Mathematics](/majors/mathematics-and-statistics/mathematics/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong mathematics education at a price that pays off.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 36 schools to find the best return on investment for mathematics students.
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Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
If you have a knack for mathematics and an interest in learning more, study online to achieve your career goals at Southern New Hampshire University. Our mathematics degree can help you enhance your mathematical abilities, including reasoning and problem-solving in three areas: analysis, algebra and statistics.
BA in Mathematics - Applied Mathematics
Put mathematical concepts to work to solve today's most complex real-world problems by studying applied mathematics with this specialized online bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in mathematics, balancing cost against outcomes.
Grinnell College tops our 2026 list of the best value mathematics schools in Iowa. Grinnell College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Grinnell. Students from in state pay about $68,196 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for mathematics graduates is $17,154. Mathematics graduates of Grinnell College earn a median of $38,888 early in their careers. Set against $17,154 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Grinnell College admits about 14% of applicants.
University Of Northern Iowa is a great value for students pursuing a degree in mathematics, landing the #2 spot this year. University Of Northern Iowa is a large public school located in the city of Cedar Falls. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,936, while out-of-state students pay about $21,712. Students borrow a median of $19,723 to complete the mathematics program here. Soon after graduation, mathematics degree recipients from University Of Northern Iowa generally make around $51,423. That is a strong return on a $19,723 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%.
Iowa State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in mathematics, landing the #3 spot this year. Iowa State University is a very large public school located in the city of Ames. Students from in state pay about $10,787 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Mathematics graduates carry a median of $22,942 in student loans. Early-career mathematics graduates make about $51,422. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Iowa State University admits about 89% of applicants.
University Of Iowa came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value mathematics schools. Set in the city of Iowa City, University Of Iowa is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,283, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. Typical student debt for mathematics graduates is $21,738. Early-career mathematics graduates make about $60,612. That is a strong return on a $21,738 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Drake University earned it the #5 place for mathematics. Located in the city of Des Moines, Drake University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $51,960. Typical student debt for mathematics graduates is $22,273. Soon after graduation, mathematics degree recipients from Drake University generally make around $56,228. Set against $22,273 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted.
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 · 36 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
