2026 Best Value Mathematics Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Mathematics doctoral degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1490 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor evaluated schools to produce 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 Mathematics Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Brigham Young University Provo earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Based in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,688. Students borrow a median of $12,184 to complete their Mathematics program here. Median earnings reach $75,790 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,184 median debt. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report
North Dakota State University Main Campus came in at #2 on this year's best-value Mathematics ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Fargo, ND. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. North Dakota State University Main Campus Mathematics students take on a median of $25,153 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,203 ten years after entry. Set against $25,153 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. More on North Dakota State University Main Campus
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Northern Illinois University earned it the #3 place in the United States. Based in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,060 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,044 in student loans. Northern Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $57,808 a decade after entry. Set against $25,044 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants. More on Northern Illinois University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Cornell University earned it the #4 place in the United States. Set in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,314. The median Mathematics program debt is $14,146. Graduates go on to earn a median of $104,043 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Cornell University
A rank of #5 makes Michigan Technological University one of the best values in the United States. Located in Houghton, MI, Michigan Technological University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $20,532, compared with $44,807 for out-of-state students. Typical Mathematics student debt is $23,250. Michigan Technological University alumni report median earnings of $78,198 a decade after entry. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. See the full Michigan Technological University profile
University Of Nebraska Lincoln ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mathematics schools. University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public school based in Lincoln, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,261 to complete their Mathematics program here. Median earnings reach $56,887 ten years out. Set against $19,261 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln report
University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Typical Mathematics student debt is $20,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,792. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 45%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Madison report
The University Of Texas At Austin placed #8 among the best-value Mathematics schools in the United States. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Typical Mathematics student debt is $20,500. Median earnings reach $75,121 ten years out. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. More on The University Of Texas At Austin
Bowling Green State University Main Campus landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public school based in Bowling Green, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $13,912, while out-of-state students pay about $21,900. Bowling Green State University Main Campus Mathematics students take on a median of $24,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,896. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Bowling Green State University Main Campus
Central Michigan University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mathematics schools. This public school is set in Mount Pleasant, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $15,480. Central Michigan University Mathematics students take on a median of $27,857 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,874. That is a strong return on a $27,857 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Central Michigan University profile
University Of North Texas placed #11 among the best-value Mathematics schools in the United States. Set in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,309 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,149. Typical Mathematics student debt is $23,689. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,010. Set against $23,689 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Texas admits about 72% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of North Texas
Northeastern University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mathematics schools. Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit school based in Boston, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $66,162. The median Mathematics program debt is $21,750. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,538 ten years after entry. Set against $21,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 5%. See the full Northeastern University profile
Texas Tech University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mathematics schools. Texas Tech University is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. The median Mathematics program debt is $29,750. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,454. That is a strong return on a $29,750 median debt. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Texas Tech University profile
Clemson University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Located in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,554 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,866. The median Mathematics program debt is $22,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,513. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 38%. Read the full report on Clemson University
Texas A And M University College Station came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in College Station, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,223 to complete their Mathematics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,097 ten years after entry. Set against $18,223 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile
University Of California Los Angeles came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Based in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. University Of California Los Angeles Mathematics students take on a median of $14,920 in debt. Median earnings reach $82,511 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Los Angeles has an acceptance rate of 9%. Read the full report on University Of California Los Angeles
University Of Wyoming landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,768, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. Students borrow a median of $20,283 to complete their Mathematics program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,880. That is a strong return on a $20,283 median debt. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Wyoming
University Of Virginia Main Campus placed #18 among the best-value Mathematics schools in the United States. This public school is set in Charlottesville, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,118, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their Mathematics program here. Median earnings reach $86,863 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Virginia Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 17%. More on University Of Virginia Main Campus
University Of Memphis offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Located in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,728, while out-of-state students pay about $15,384. Students borrow a median of $24,125 to complete their Mathematics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,458. Set against $24,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Memphis
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,948 in tuition and fees, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. The median Mathematics program debt is $23,250. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University alumni report median earnings of $81,698 a decade after entry. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 55% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University report
Purdue University Main Campus ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mathematics schools. Located in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,992 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Students borrow a median of $18,820 to complete their Mathematics program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,424. Set against $18,820 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 50%. More on Purdue University Main Campus
University Of California Berkeley offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. This public school is set in Berkeley, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Typical Mathematics student debt is $20,500. University Of California Berkeley alumni report median earnings of $92,446 a decade after entry. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of California Berkeley
University Of Houston offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. University Of Houston is a public school based in Houston, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,717, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. University Of Houston Mathematics students take on a median of $20,100 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,377. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%. Read more about University Of Houston
Iowa State University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mathematics schools. Located in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Iowa State University Mathematics students take on a median of $22,942 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,386. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Iowa State University admits about 89% of applicants. Read more about Iowa State University
Massachusetts Institute Of Technology placed #25 among the best-value Mathematics schools in the United States. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit school based in Cambridge, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,396. Students borrow a median of $10,003 to complete their Mathematics program here. Median earnings reach $143,372 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology has an acceptance rate of 4%. See the full Massachusetts Institute Of Technology profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Mathematics Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill placed #26 among the best-value Mathematics schools in the United States. This public school is set in Chapel Hill, NC. Students from in state pay about $8,994 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. Graduates carry a median of $14,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $72,200 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 15%. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill report
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Students borrow a median of $22,095 to complete their Mathematics program here. Median earnings reach $69,020 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,095 median debt. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities admits about 80% of applicants. See the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities profile
Carnegie Mellon University placed #28 among the best-value Mathematics schools in the United States. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,636. Graduates carry a median of $23,529 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $114,862. That is a strong return on a $23,529 median debt. Carnegie Mellon University admits about 12% of applicants. See the full Carnegie Mellon University profile
Vanderbilt University landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,498. Vanderbilt University Mathematics students take on a median of $10,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $91,565. That is a strong return on a $10,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 6%. Read more about Vanderbilt University
Brown University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mathematics schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Providence, RI. In-state tuition and fees average $71,312. Students borrow a median of $13,025 to complete their Mathematics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $93,487 ten years after entry. Set against $13,025 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 5% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Brown University
Drexel University placed #31 among the best-value Mathematics schools in the United States. Drexel University is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. Students from in state pay about $62,412 in tuition and fees. Drexel University Mathematics students take on a median of $30,899 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $84,648. Set against $30,899 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Drexel University admits about 79% of applicants. See the full Drexel University profile
Boston College placed #32 among the best-value Mathematics schools in the United States. Boston College is a private not-for-profit school based in Chestnut Hill, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $70,702. Graduates carry a median of $18,025 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $103,937. Set against $18,025 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 16% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Boston College
University Of Chicago ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mathematics schools. Located in Chicago, IL, University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,324. University Of Chicago Mathematics students take on a median of $12,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $91,885 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Chicago has an acceptance rate of 4%. Get the full University Of Chicago report
New Jersey Institute Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Based in Newark, NJ, New Jersey Institute Of Technology is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $19,974 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $37,664. Graduates carry a median of $26,190 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $84,276. Set against $26,190 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on New Jersey Institute Of Technology
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #35 among the best-value Mathematics schools in the United States. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public school based in Champaign, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign Mathematics students take on a median of $20,847 in debt. Median earnings reach $81,054 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants. Read more about University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
North Carolina State University At Raleigh offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public school based in Raleigh, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,799, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,256 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,758. Set against $21,256 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Carolina State University At Raleigh admits about 42% of applicants. More on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Kansas State University placed #36 among the best-value Mathematics schools in the United States. Based in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,221, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. Graduates carry a median of $21,250 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,262 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,250 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. See the full Kansas State University profile
Kent State University At Kent offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Based in Kent, OH, Kent State University At Kent is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,220, compared with $21,575 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,250 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,388 ten years after entry. Set against $19,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kent State University At Kent has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read more about Kent State University At Kent
Dartmouth College ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mathematics schools. Located in Hanover, NH, Dartmouth College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,019. Dartmouth College Mathematics students take on a median of $11,617 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $97,434 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,617 median debt. The acceptance rate is 5%. See the full Dartmouth College profile
Worcester Polytechnic Institute ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value 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. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $103,470. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Worcester Polytechnic Institute admits about 60% of applicants. More on Worcester Polytechnic Institute
University Of Missouri Columbia placed #41 among the best-value Mathematics schools in the United States. University Of Missouri Columbia is a public school based in Columbia, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,837, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. Typical Mathematics student debt is $18,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,403. That is a strong return on a $18,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read more about University Of Missouri Columbia
University Of Kansas offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. University Of Kansas is a public school based in Lawrence, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $12,102, with out-of-state students paying around $30,432. Typical Mathematics student debt is $27,000. University Of Kansas alumni report median earnings of $61,945 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Kansas has an acceptance rate of 94%. More on University Of Kansas
George Washington University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mathematics schools. Set in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,710. Graduates carry a median of $22,910 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $90,873. That is a strong return on a $22,910 median debt. The acceptance rate is 47%. Read the full report on George Washington University
University Of Maryland College Park placed #44 among the best-value Mathematics schools in the United States. Located in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,809, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. The median Mathematics program debt is $19,500. Median earnings reach $82,860 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Maryland College Park report
University Of Utah placed #45 among the best-value Mathematics schools in the United States. Based in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,620, while out-of-state students pay about $30,860. Graduates carry a median of $24,625 in student loans. Median earnings reach $67,170 ten years out. Set against $24,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Utah has an acceptance rate of 86%. See the full University Of Utah profile
University Of Washington Seattle Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Set in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. Typical Mathematics student debt is $15,501. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,466. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Washington Seattle Campus has an acceptance rate of 39%. Read more about University Of Washington Seattle Campus
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mathematics schools. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public school based in Milwaukee, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,398, with out-of-state students paying around $22,398. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,990 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee profile
Northwestern University placed #48 among the best-value Mathematics schools in the United States. Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit school based in Evanston, IL. Students from in state pay about $68,322 in tuition and fees. The median Mathematics program debt is $12,418. Graduates go on to earn a median of $89,363 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,418 median debt. The acceptance rate is 8%. See the full Northwestern University profile
University Of Georgia ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mathematics schools. This public school is set in Athens, GA. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. Students borrow a median of $20,645 to complete their Mathematics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,726. Set against $20,645 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Georgia admits about 38% of applicants. Read more about University Of Georgia
University Of Notre Dame offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Notre Dame, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,025. Students borrow a median of $19,000 to complete their Mathematics program here. Median earnings reach $99,980 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 11% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Notre Dame
Related Mathematics Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Mathematics Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Mathematics Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Mathematics Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Mathematics Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Mathematics Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Mathematics Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value 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 1490 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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