2026 Best Value Applied Mathematics Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Applied Mathematics doctoral degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 417 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor analyzed schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Applied Mathematics Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Cornell University tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Applied Mathematics doctoral degree schools in the United States. Based in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,314. Cornell University Applied Mathematics students take on a median of $15,005 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $104,043 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,005 median debt. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Cornell University
Michigan Technological University came in at #2 on this year's best-value Applied Mathematics ranking in the United States. Located in Houghton, MI, Michigan Technological University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $20,532 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $44,807. Michigan Technological University Applied Mathematics students take on a median of $25,800 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,198. Set against $25,800 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%. Read the full report on Michigan Technological University
Out of the 417 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #3 spot. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Students borrow a median of $21,275 to complete their Applied Mathematics program here. The University Of Texas At Austin alumni report median earnings of $75,121 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,275 median debt. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report
You'll get strong value at South Dakota State University, which ranked #4 this year. Located in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,299, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. Graduates carry a median of $24,989 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,070 ten years after entry. Set against $24,989 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. South Dakota State University admits about 98% of applicants. Read more about South Dakota State University
Southern Methodist University came in at #5 on this year's best-value Applied Mathematics ranking in the United States. Set in Dallas, TX, Southern Methodist University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,040. Graduates carry a median of $20,712 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,354 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,712 median debt. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted. More on Southern Methodist University
University Of California Berkeley came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Berkeley, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Graduates carry a median of $14,598 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,446 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Berkeley has an acceptance rate of 11%. More on University Of California Berkeley
University Of Colorado Denver placed #7 among the best-value Applied Mathematics schools in the United States. University Of Colorado Denver is a public school based in Denver, CO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,383, while out-of-state students pay about $29,391. Typical Applied Mathematics student debt is $26,582. Median earnings reach $64,270 ten years out. Set against $26,582 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Colorado Denver
Iowa State University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Iowa State University is a public school based in Ames, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Typical Applied Mathematics student debt is $23,495. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,386 ten years after entry. Set against $23,495 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Iowa State University
University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Located in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Graduates carry a median of $16,481 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,466 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,481 median debt. The acceptance rate is 39%. See the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus profile
Carnegie Mellon University came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,636. Carnegie Mellon University Applied Mathematics students take on a median of $23,529 in debt. Carnegie Mellon University alumni report median earnings of $114,862 a decade after entry. Set against $23,529 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 12% of applicants are accepted. More on Carnegie Mellon University
University Of Maryland Baltimore County landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Maryland Baltimore County is a public school based in Baltimore, MD. Students from in state pay about $13,256 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $31,225. Students borrow a median of $21,331 to complete their Applied Mathematics program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,960. That is a strong return on a $21,331 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Maryland Baltimore County profile
Brown University offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Located in Providence, RI, Brown University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $71,312. Brown University Applied Mathematics students take on a median of $10,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $93,487. Set against $10,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 5%. See the full Brown University profile
North Carolina State University At Raleigh landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. Students borrow a median of $21,976 to complete their Applied Mathematics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,758. Set against $21,976 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Carolina State University At Raleigh admits about 42% of applicants. Read more about North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Kent State University At Kent placed #14 among the best-value Applied Mathematics schools in the United States. Located in Kent, OH, Kent State University At Kent is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,220, with out-of-state students paying around $21,575. Typical Applied Mathematics student debt is $25,174. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,388. Set against $25,174 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Kent State University At Kent
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #14 among the best-value Applied Mathematics schools in the United States. Located in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Graduates carry a median of $20,778 in student loans. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign alumni report median earnings of $81,054 a decade after entry. Set against $20,778 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign profile
Harvard University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Applied Mathematics schools. Located in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,676. The median Applied Mathematics program debt is $16,616. Median earnings reach $101,817 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,616 median debt. Harvard University has an acceptance rate of 4%. Read the full report on Harvard University
University Of Maryland College Park placed #17 among the best-value Applied Mathematics schools in the United States. This public school is set in College Park, MD. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,809, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. Students borrow a median of $20,836 to complete their Applied Mathematics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,860. Set against $20,836 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Maryland College Park has an acceptance rate of 45%. Read more about University Of Maryland College Park
New York University landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. New York University is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,796. New York University Applied Mathematics students take on a median of $21,897 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,509. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. See the full New York University profile
University Of Iowa placed #19 among the best-value Applied Mathematics schools in the United States. Based in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,283, while out-of-state students pay about $33,371. The median Applied Mathematics program debt is $24,463. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,762. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Iowa admits about 84% of applicants. More on University Of Iowa
University Of Alabama At Birmingham ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Applied Mathematics schools. University Of Alabama At Birmingham is a public school based in Birmingham, AL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,098, while out-of-state students pay about $22,562. University Of Alabama At Birmingham Applied Mathematics students take on a median of $26,162 in debt. University Of Alabama At Birmingham alumni report median earnings of $54,501 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,162 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Alabama At Birmingham
Johns Hopkins University landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $64,730. The median Applied Mathematics program debt is $13,426. Johns Hopkins University alumni report median earnings of $87,555 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,426 median debt. The acceptance rate is 6%. See the full Johns Hopkins University profile
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Based in Charlotte, NC, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,239, while out-of-state students pay about $22,492. The median Applied Mathematics program debt is $24,673. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte alumni report median earnings of $57,289 a decade after entry. Set against $24,673 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte admits about 80% of applicants. See the full University Of North Carolina At Charlotte profile
Oakland University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Located in Rochester Hills, MI, Oakland University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,167 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,735 for out-of-state students. Typical Applied Mathematics student debt is $25,972. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,612 ten years after entry. Set against $25,972 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Oakland University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on Oakland University
Colorado School Of Mines offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Set in Golden, CO, Colorado School Of Mines is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $21,914 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $45,824. The median Applied Mathematics program debt is $21,500. Median earnings reach $97,335 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Colorado School Of Mines has an acceptance rate of 61%. See the full Colorado School Of Mines profile
Northwestern University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Applied Mathematics schools. Set in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,322. Northwestern University Applied Mathematics students take on a median of $16,616 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $89,363 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 8%. More on Northwestern University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Applied Mathematics Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Arizona State University placed #26 among the best-value Applied Mathematics schools in the United States. This public school is set in Tempe, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Typical Applied Mathematics student debt is $17,681. Arizona State University alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arizona State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. More on Arizona State University
University Of Colorado Boulder came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Located in Boulder, CO, University Of Colorado Boulder is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,214 in tuition and fees, compared with $42,970 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,373 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,738. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Colorado Boulder
University Of California Irvine landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Irvine, CA, University Of California Irvine is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,752, compared with $46,640 for out-of-state students. Typical Applied Mathematics student debt is $16,539. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $80,735. Set against $16,539 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Irvine admits about 29% of applicants. More on University Of California Irvine
Washington State University placed #29 among the best-value Applied Mathematics schools in the United States. Set in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,391, compared with $29,950 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,675 to complete their Applied Mathematics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,905 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,675 median debt. Washington State University admits about 87% of applicants. See the full Washington State University profile
University Of Arizona placed #30 among the best-value Applied Mathematics schools in the United States. Set in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,573, while out-of-state students pay about $39,903. Graduates carry a median of $21,861 in student loans. Median earnings reach $59,979 ten years out. Set against $21,861 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Arizona report
University Of Missouri St Louis offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. This public school is set in Saint Louis, MO. Students from in state pay about $15,120 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $37,620. Graduates carry a median of $25,943 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,037 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Missouri St Louis has an acceptance rate of 63%. Get the full University Of Missouri St Louis report
Michigan State University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Michigan State University is a public school based in East Lansing, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,079, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,213 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,253. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Michigan State University
Middle Tennessee State University came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Middle Tennessee State University is a public school based in Murfreesboro, TN. Students from in state pay about $10,266 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $31,574. Graduates carry a median of $22,754 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,541. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 69%. Read the full report on Middle Tennessee State University
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public school based in Ann Arbor, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,848, with out-of-state students paying around $63,081. Typical Applied Mathematics student debt is $19,137. Graduates go on to earn a median of $83,648 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,137 median debt. The acceptance rate is 16%. Get the full University Of Michigan Ann Arbor report
University Of California Davis placed #35 among the best-value Applied Mathematics schools in the United States. Located in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,804, with out-of-state students paying around $47,692. University Of California Davis Applied Mathematics students take on a median of $14,750 in debt. University Of California Davis alumni report median earnings of $80,838 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Davis has an acceptance rate of 42%. Read the full report on University Of California Davis
Stony Brook University offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. This public school is set in Stony Brook, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,931, compared with $32,741 for out-of-state students. Typical Applied Mathematics student debt is $19,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,502 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 49% of applicants are accepted. More on Stony Brook University
University Of Louisville ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Applied Mathematics schools. This public school is set in Louisville, KY. In-state tuition and fees average $13,136, compared with $29,482 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,910 to complete their Applied Mathematics program here. University Of Louisville alumni report median earnings of $53,899 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,910 median debt. The acceptance rate is 79%. Read more about University Of Louisville
Old Dominion University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. This public school is set in Norfolk, VA. Students from in state pay about $12,750 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,780. Students borrow a median of $26,001 to complete their Applied Mathematics program here. Old Dominion University alumni report median earnings of $54,914 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,001 median debt. Old Dominion University admits about 90% of applicants. Read the full report on Old Dominion University
Columbia University In The City Of New York came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $70,517. Graduates carry a median of $23,258 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $102,491. That is a strong return on a $23,258 median debt. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. More on Columbia University In The City Of New York
University Of Southern California landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit school based in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $71,647. Students borrow a median of $12,251 to complete their Applied Mathematics program here. University Of Southern California alumni report median earnings of $92,498 a decade after entry. Set against $12,251 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 10% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Southern California
University Of New Hampshire Main Campus placed #41 among the best-value Applied Mathematics schools in the United States. Set in Durham, NH, University Of New Hampshire Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,202, while out-of-state students pay about $39,852. The median Applied Mathematics program debt is $26,368. Graduates go on to earn a median of $66,479 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,368 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of New Hampshire Main Campus
University Of Oregon landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Eugene, OR, University Of Oregon is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,320, compared with $42,516 for out-of-state students. University Of Oregon Applied Mathematics students take on a median of $22,034 in debt. University Of Oregon alumni report median earnings of $61,324 a decade after entry. Set against $22,034 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Oregon has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full University Of Oregon report
Boston University offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Boston University is a private not-for-profit school based in Boston, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $68,102. Graduates carry a median of $25,232 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $83,238. Set against $25,232 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Boston University admits about 11% of applicants. See the full Boston University profile
University Of California Merced landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Merced, CA, University Of California Merced is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,653 in tuition and fees, compared with $46,541 for out-of-state students. Typical Applied Mathematics student debt is $16,497. Median earnings reach $64,368 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,497 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of California Merced
Hillsdale College ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Applied Mathematics schools. See the full Hillsdale College profile
Normandale Community College placed #46 among the best-value Applied Mathematics schools in the United States. More on Normandale Community College
Stonehill College placed #47 among the best-value Applied Mathematics schools in the United States. Read more about Stonehill College
University Of Virginia Main Campus ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Applied Mathematics schools. Read the full report on University Of Virginia Main Campus
Ohio University Lancaster Campus landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Ohio University Lancaster Campus profile
Rutgers University Newark ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Applied Mathematics schools. Read the full report on Rutgers University Newark
Related Applied Mathematics Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Applied Mathematics Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Applied Mathematics Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Applied Mathematics Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Applied Mathematics Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Applied Mathematics Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Applied Mathematics Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Applied Mathematics Master’s Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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 · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 417 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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