2026 Best Value Applied Mathematics Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Applied Mathematics master’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 417 schools 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.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor analyzed schools to compile 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Cornell University this year in the United States. Located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,314. Graduates carry a median of $15,005 in student loans. Cornell University alumni report median earnings of $104,043 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cornell University has an acceptance rate of 9%. More on Cornell University
Northern Illinois University came in at #2 on this year's best-value Applied Mathematics ranking in the United States. Based in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Northern Illinois University Applied Mathematics students take on a median of $25,209 in debt. Northern Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $57,808 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. See the full Northern Illinois University profile
A rank of #3 makes University Of Central Arkansas one of the best values in the United States. Located in Conway, AR, University Of Central Arkansas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,523, compared with $18,023 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,920 in student loans. Median earnings reach $45,938 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Central Arkansas profile
You'll get strong value at University Of Wisconsin Stout, which ranked #4 this year. Located in Menomonie, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stout is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,701 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,265. Graduates carry a median of $21,000 in student loans. University Of Wisconsin Stout alumni report median earnings of $58,084 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Stout
A rank of #5 makes The University Of Texas At Austin one of the best values in the United States. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,275 to complete their Applied Mathematics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,121. That is a strong return on a $21,275 median debt. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report
Northeastern University placed #7 among the best-value Applied Mathematics schools in the United States. Based in Boston, MA, Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $66,162. Typical Applied Mathematics student debt is $25,611. Median earnings reach $92,538 ten years out. Set against $25,611 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northeastern University has an acceptance rate of 5%. Read the full report on Northeastern University
Montclair State University placed #8 among the best-value Applied Mathematics schools in the United States. Set in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,912, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. Graduates carry a median of $25,286 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,415. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full Montclair State University report
Towson University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Applied Mathematics schools. Set in Towson, MD, Towson University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,728, compared with $29,820 for out-of-state students. The median Applied Mathematics program debt is $21,241. Median earnings reach $64,390 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,241 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read more about Towson University
Villanova University came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Set in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $67,776. Students borrow a median of $26,184 to complete their Applied Mathematics program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $100,423. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Villanova University admits about 27% of applicants. Get the full Villanova University report
University Of North Texas came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Based in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,309, while out-of-state students pay about $21,149. Typical Applied Mathematics student debt is $21,817. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,010 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Texas admits about 72% of applicants. Read more about University Of North Texas
Duquesne University landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Pittsburgh, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $48,986. Graduates carry a median of $26,297 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,742. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Duquesne University admits about 84% of applicants. See the full Duquesne University profile
Depaul University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Applied Mathematics schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,405. Depaul University Applied Mathematics students take on a median of $25,310 in debt. Depaul University alumni report median earnings of $68,751 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,310 median debt. Depaul University admits about 76% of applicants. See the full Depaul University profile
Southern Methodist University placed #13 among the best-value Applied Mathematics schools in the United States. Set in Dallas, TX, Southern Methodist University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $67,040. Students borrow a median of $20,712 to complete their Applied Mathematics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,354 ten years after entry. Set against $20,712 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Methodist University admits about 63% of applicants. See the full Southern Methodist University profile
University Of California Berkeley ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Applied Mathematics schools. Based in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. The median Applied Mathematics program debt is $14,598. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,446. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 11%. More on University Of California Berkeley
University Of Virginia Main Campus ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Applied Mathematics schools. This public school is set in Charlottesville, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $23,118, with out-of-state students paying around $61,591. Graduates carry a median of $18,627 in student loans. Median earnings reach $86,863 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $18,627 median debt. University Of Virginia Main Campus admits about 17% of applicants. More on University Of Virginia Main Campus
Boston College landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Chestnut Hill, MA, Boston College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $70,702. The median Applied Mathematics program debt is $18,101. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $103,937. That is a strong return on a $18,101 median debt. About 16% of those who apply are admitted. More on Boston College
University Of Washington Seattle Campus landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,973, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. Students borrow a median of $16,481 to complete their Applied Mathematics program here. Median earnings reach $78,466 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Massachusetts Institute Of Technology landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cambridge, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,396. Graduates carry a median of $13,516 in student loans. Median earnings reach $143,372 ten years out. Set against $13,516 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology admits about 4% of applicants. More on Massachusetts Institute Of Technology
New York University placed #21 among the best-value Applied Mathematics schools in the United States. Set in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $62,796 in tuition and fees. Typical Applied Mathematics student debt is $21,897. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,509 ten years after entry. Set against $21,897 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full New York University report
University Of Chicago placed #22 among the best-value Applied Mathematics schools in the United States. Based in Chicago, IL, University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $69,324. University Of Chicago Applied Mathematics students take on a median of $15,854 in debt. University Of Chicago alumni report median earnings of $91,885 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,854 median debt. University Of Chicago admits about 4% of applicants. See the full University Of Chicago profile
University Of Akron Main Campus came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Akron, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,135, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,347 to complete their Applied Mathematics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,600 ten years after entry. Set against $25,347 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Akron Main Campus admits about 60% of applicants. Get the full University Of Akron Main Campus report
University Of Colorado Denver offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. This public school is set in Denver, CO. In-state tuition and fees average $10,383, while out-of-state students pay about $29,391. Students borrow a median of $26,582 to complete their Applied Mathematics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,270. Set against $26,582 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Colorado Denver profile
University Of Maryland Baltimore County came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Located in Baltimore, MD, University Of Maryland Baltimore County is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,256, compared with $31,225 for out-of-state students. The median Applied Mathematics program debt is $21,331. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,960. Set against $21,331 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Maryland Baltimore County
George Washington University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Applied Mathematics schools. Located in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,710. George Washington University Applied Mathematics students take on a median of $22,910 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $90,873. That is a strong return on a $22,910 median debt. George Washington University admits about 47% of applicants. Read more about George Washington University
Brown University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Applied Mathematics schools. Based in Providence, RI, Brown University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $71,312. Students borrow a median of $10,000 to complete their Applied Mathematics program here. Brown University alumni report median earnings of $93,487 a decade after entry. Set against $10,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brown University has an acceptance rate of 5%. More on Brown University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Applied Mathematics Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Iowa State University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Applied Mathematics schools. Based in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. Students borrow a median of $23,495 to complete their Applied Mathematics program here. Median earnings reach $63,386 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,495 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%. Get the full Iowa State University report
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Based in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Typical Applied Mathematics student debt is $20,778. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign alumni report median earnings of $81,054 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,778 median debt. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report
Worcester Polytechnic Institute ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Applied Mathematics schools. Set in Worcester, MA, Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $60,765. Students borrow a median of $26,259 to complete their Applied Mathematics program here. Worcester Polytechnic Institute alumni report median earnings of $103,470 a decade after entry. Set against $26,259 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Worcester Polytechnic Institute has an acceptance rate of 60%. See the full Worcester Polytechnic Institute profile
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public school based in Minneapolis, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,577 to complete their Applied Mathematics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,020. That is a strong return on a $21,577 median debt. The acceptance rate is 80%. See the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities profile
Vanderbilt University landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,498. The median Applied Mathematics program debt is $13,975. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $91,565. Set against $13,975 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 6% of those who apply are admitted. More on Vanderbilt University
University Of Maryland College Park landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,809 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. University Of Maryland College Park Applied Mathematics students take on a median of $20,836 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,860. That is a strong return on a $20,836 median debt. The acceptance rate is 45%. Read more about University Of Maryland College Park
University Of California San Diego placed #34 among the best-value Applied Mathematics schools in the United States. University Of California San Diego is a public school based in La Jolla, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $15,788, compared with $47,676 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,516 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $84,943. Set against $15,516 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California San Diego admits about 27% of applicants. Get the full University Of California San Diego report
Johns Hopkins University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Located in Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,730. Typical Applied Mathematics student debt is $13,426. Johns Hopkins University alumni report median earnings of $87,555 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 6% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Johns Hopkins University
North Carolina State University At Raleigh landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,799, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. 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. That is a strong return on a $21,976 median debt. The acceptance rate is 42%. Read more about North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Kent State University At Kent ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Applied Mathematics schools. Kent State University At Kent is a public school based in Kent, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,220, while out-of-state students pay about $21,575. The median Applied Mathematics program debt is $25,174. Median earnings reach $45,388 ten years out. Set against $25,174 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kent State University At Kent has an acceptance rate of 86%. More on Kent State University At Kent
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Applied Mathematics schools. Set in Slippery Rock, PA, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,568, while out-of-state students pay about $14,676. Graduates carry a median of $26,330 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,032 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,330 median debt. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. More on Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania
Harvard University placed #39 among the best-value Applied Mathematics schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cambridge, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,676. Graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. Harvard University alumni report median earnings of $101,817 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,616 median debt. Harvard University has an acceptance rate of 4%. More on Harvard University
University Of Iowa offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. This public school is set in Iowa City, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,283, while out-of-state students pay about $33,371. University Of Iowa Applied Mathematics students take on a median of $24,463 in debt. University Of Iowa alumni report median earnings of $64,762 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,463 median debt. University Of Iowa has an acceptance rate of 84%. Get the full University Of Iowa report
University Of Notre Dame placed #41 among the best-value Applied Mathematics schools in the United States. Set in Notre Dame, IN, University Of Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,025. The median Applied Mathematics program debt is $19,891. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $99,980. Set against $19,891 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Notre Dame profile
New Jersey Institute Of Technology placed #42 among the best-value Applied Mathematics schools in the United States. Set in Newark, NJ, New Jersey Institute Of Technology is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,974, with out-of-state students paying around $37,664. The median Applied Mathematics program debt is $24,755. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $84,276. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. See the full New Jersey Institute Of Technology profile
Oklahoma State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. This public school is set in Stillwater, OK. Students from in state pay about $10,110 in tuition and fees, compared with $25,630 for out-of-state students. The median Applied Mathematics program debt is $22,337. Oklahoma State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $57,413 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,337 median debt. The acceptance rate is 75%. More on Oklahoma State University Main Campus
The University Of Texas At Dallas came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Based in Richardson, TX, The University Of Texas At Dallas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,644, while out-of-state students pay about $40,144. The University Of Texas At Dallas Applied Mathematics students take on a median of $20,531 in debt. Median earnings reach $68,227 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,531 median debt. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about The University Of Texas At Dallas
Temple University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,005, with out-of-state students paying around $38,805. The median Applied Mathematics program debt is $26,259. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,727 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,259 median debt. Temple University admits about 80% of applicants. Get the full Temple University report
University Of California Irvine came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Based in Irvine, CA, University Of California Irvine is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,752, with out-of-state students paying around $46,640. Graduates carry a median of $16,539 in student loans. University Of California Irvine alumni report median earnings of $80,735 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 29% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of California Irvine
San Diego State University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Set in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,728, while out-of-state students pay about $21,328. San Diego State University Applied Mathematics students take on a median of $24,563 in debt. San Diego State University alumni report median earnings of $64,909 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,563 median debt. San Diego State University admits about 36% of applicants. Read the full report on San Diego State University
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte placed #46 among the best-value Applied Mathematics schools in the United States. Based in Charlotte, NC, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,239, compared with $22,492 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,673 in student loans. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte alumni report median earnings of $57,289 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,673 median debt. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
Florida Atlantic University came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Boca Raton, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,879, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Florida Atlantic University Applied Mathematics students take on a median of $20,212 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,746 ten years after entry. Set against $20,212 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Florida Atlantic University has an acceptance rate of 66%. More on Florida Atlantic University
Arizona State University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Applied Mathematics schools. This public school is set in Tempe, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,681 in student loans. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arizona State University admits about 90% of applicants. See the full Arizona State University profile
Colorado School Of Mines placed #50 among the best-value Applied Mathematics schools in the United States. Located in Golden, CO, Colorado School Of Mines is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $21,914, with out-of-state students paying around $45,824. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Applied Mathematics program here. Colorado School Of Mines alumni report median earnings of $97,335 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. About 61% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Colorado School Of Mines profile
University Of Missouri Columbia ranked #52 on our 2026 list of the best-value Applied Mathematics schools. Based in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Typical Applied Mathematics student debt is $21,818. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,403. That is a strong return on a $21,818 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%. See the full University Of Missouri Columbia profile
Related Applied Mathematics Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at 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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced 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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