Best Research Universities for Math Degrees

Badge for BEST FOR MATH RESEARCH UNIVERSITIES
By Dr. Jed Macosko and Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Published:
Updated:

Key Takeaways

  • We’ve identified the best research universities in the United States that invest heavily in research and provide extensive opportunities for students to participate in research.
  • The best research universities for math degrees maximize a student’s opportunity to interact with outstanding math faculty.
  • A math degree from one of the best research universities allow interdisciplinary collaboration and cutting-edge research projects for students.
Earning a bachelor’s degree in math can open numerous professional doors. Majoring in mathematics prepares you for a variety of careers analyzing and interpreting numbers and data, whether real or hypothetical. With a mathematics major, you hone your skills of logic and analysis to organize numbers, find patterns, and predict outcomes. This could suit you to work as a financial planning consultant for private clients, a cost analyst for a major firm, or a statistician for an important public health campaign. Today, top influencers in mathematics are bringing new light to areas like Digital signal processing, Stochastic analysis, Mathematical digital art, Catastrophe theory, and much more.

Top 10 Research Universities Math Programs in 2025

  1. Harvard University
  2. University of California, Berkeley
    +3
  3. Columbia University
    +4
  4. Stanford University
  5. University of Chicago
    +1
  6. Yale University
    +2
  7. Princeton University
    –5
  8. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    –5
  9. University of Michigan
    +2
  10. New York University
    +5

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

UC Berkeley climbed 3 positions to the number 3 spot in our 2025 ranking of the best research universities for math degrees. The school created a new “Math Research Initiative,” which offers students access to cutting-edge projects in areas like computational algebra and applied mathematics. The university has also enhanced its Math Lab with state-of-the-art technology.

Columbia University jumped 4 spots to move into the 3rd position this year. The school has expanded undergraduate research opportunites with programs like the Columbia Math Undergraduate Summer Research program (CMUSR), offering in-depth, faculty-guided research experiences. Columbia also encourages interdisciplinary collaboration in areas like applied mathematics and mathematical physics. These collabs allows students to engage in cutting-edge research projects, including string theory, quantum geometry, and financial mathematics.

The best mathematics research universities are those with rich histories of influence, proven through the work produced by the program’s faculty and alumni. Beyond demonstrating scholarly impact in the field, the best math degree programs maximize your opportunities to interact with outstanding math faculty.

A bachelor’s degree in mathematics is an excellent starting point for a career in engineering, public health, economics, and much more. As a mathematics major, you’ll learn statistical analysis, linear algebra, differential equations, and a host of other foundational math subjects. Your mathematics degree will incorporate both theoretical concepts and practical applications in the full array of math sciences, including calculus, geometry, algorithms, and more. The best schools for mathematics are those which are regionally accredited, which offer a full array of mathematics concentrations, and which give you the chance to work with the best and most influential professors and classmates.

Degree popularity: Mathematics bachelor’s degrees are the 41st most popular undergraduate degrees across all student demographics, ranking much higher for men at 27th versus 48th for women. For white and Hispanic men it ranks 28th. It’s most popular among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders men, for whom it ranks the 16th most sought after degree, according to the number of degree earners reported by the National Center for Educational Statistics

Featured Programs

Best Research Universities for Math Degrees

  1. #1

    Harvard University

    Cambridge , MA
    #1 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025 #1 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #1 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #1 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    3%

    Graduation

    98%

    Student body

    39K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/35

    Career Outlook for Mathematics degree at Harvard University

    Cost of Degree: $59,076
    Expenses: $27,629
    Starting Salary: $173,546
    Salary after 4 years: $203,420
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Harvard University known for?

    Harvard University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Harvard University Math Major:

    • AB in Mathematics
    Source
    Compare school
  2. #2

    University of California, Berkeley

    Berkeley , CA
    #1 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #1 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #1 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    48K

    Career Outlook for Mathematics degree at University of California, Berkeley

    Cost of Degree: $14,850
    Expenses: $30,203
    Starting Salary: $76,040
    Salary after 4 years: $97,672
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of California, Berkeley known for?

    University of California, Berkeley’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    UC Berkeley Math Majors:

    • Applied Mathematics
    • Mathematics
    • Mathematics with a Teaching Concentration
    Source
    Compare school
  3. #3

    Columbia University

    New York , NY
    #2 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #2 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #2 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #3 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $66K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    37K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    Career Outlook for Mathematics degree at Columbia University

    Cost of Degree: $68,171
    Expenses: $20,542
    Starting Salary: $144,227
    Salary after 4 years: $169,053
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Columbia University known for?

    Columbia University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Columbia University Math Major:

    • BS Mathmatics
    Source
    Compare school
  4. #4

    Stanford University

    Stanford , CA
    #3 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #3 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #3 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #4 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    20K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1540/34

    Career Outlook for Mathematics degree at Stanford University

    Cost of Degree: $62,484
    Expenses: $25,349
    Starting Salary: $176,291
    Salary after 4 years: $206,637
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Stanford University known for?

    Stanford University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Stanford University Math Major:

    • BS Mathematics
    Source
    Compare school
  6. #5

    University of Chicago

    Chicago , IL
    #4 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #4 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #4 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #5 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $64K

    Acceptance

    5%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    21K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1540/34

    Career Outlook for Mathematics degree at University of Chicago

    Cost of Degree: $65,619
    Expenses: $23,421
    Starting Salary: $128,506
    Salary after 4 years: $150,627
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Chicago known for?

    University of Chicago’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Chicago Math Major:

    • BA/BS in Mathematics
    • BS in Applied Mathematics

    University of Chicago Math Major Specializations:

    • Economics
    Source
    Compare school
  7. #6

    Yale University

    New Haven , CT
    #5 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #5 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #6 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025 #6 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    5%

    Graduation

    98%

    Student body

    16K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1540/34

    Career Outlook for Mathematics degree at Yale University

    Cost of Degree: $64,700
    Expenses: $23,600
    Starting Salary: $155,206
    Salary after 4 years: $181,922
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Yale University known for?

    Yale University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Yale University Math Majors:

    • BA/BS in Mathematics
    Source
    Compare school
  8. #7

    Princeton University

    Princeton , NJ
    #4 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #6 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #6 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #7 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    Career Outlook for Mathematics degree at Princeton University

    Cost of Degree: $59,710
    Expenses: $24,330
    Starting Salary: $145,100
    Salary after 4 years: $170,077
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Princeton University known for?

    Princeton University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Princeton University Math Major:

    • BS Mathematics
    • Applied & Computational Mathematics
    Source
    Compare school
  9. #8

    Massachusetts Institute of Technology

    Cambridge , MA
    #5 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #7 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #7 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #8 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1555/35

    Career Outlook for Mathematics degree at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $60,156
    Expenses: $22,574
    Starting Salary: $191,637
    Salary after 4 years: $224,624
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Massachusetts Institute of Technology known for?

    Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    MIT Math Major Concentrations:

    • Applied Mathematics
    • Pure Mathematics
    • General Mathematics
    Source
    Compare school
  10. #9

    University of Michigan

    Ann Arbor , MI
    #2 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #2 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #2 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    18%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    52K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/32

    Career Outlook for Mathematics degree at University of Michigan

    Cost of Degree: $18,309
    Expenses: $17,554
    Starting Salary: $76,040
    Salary after 4 years: $97,672
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Michigan known for?

    University of Michigan’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Michigan Math Majors:

    • Actuarial Mathematics
    • Mathematics of Finance and Risk Management
    • Pure Mathematics
    • Honors Mathematics
    • Mathematical Sciences
    Source
    Compare school
  12. #10

    New York University

    New York , NY
    #8 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #8 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #10 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025 #10 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    87%

    Student body

    65K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    Career Outlook for Mathematics degree at New York University

    Cost of Degree: $60,438
    Expenses: $27,314
    Starting Salary: $98,064
    Salary after 4 years: $114,945
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is New York University known for?

    New York University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    NYU Math Major:

    • BA in Mathematics
    Source
    Compare school
  13. #11

    Cornell University

    Ithaca , NY
    #1 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #6 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #9 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #9 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    26K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    Career Outlook for Mathematics degree at Cornell University

    Cost of Degree: $66,014
    Expenses: $22,126
    Starting Salary: $126,261
    Salary after 4 years: $147,995
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Cornell University known for?

    Cornell University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Cornell University Math Major:

    • BA in Mathematics
    Source
    Compare school
  14. #12

    University of Pennsylvania

    Philadelphia , PA
    #5 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #10 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #10 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #10 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    33K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    Career Outlook for Mathematics degree at University of Pennsylvania

    Cost of Degree: $66,104
    Expenses: $22,924
    Starting Salary: $164,189
    Salary after 4 years: $192,452
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Pennsylvania known for?

    University of Pennsylvania’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Pennsylvania Math Majors/Concentrations:

    • Mathematics with a concentration in Biological Mathematics
    • Mathematics
    Source
    Compare school
  15. #13

    University of California, Los Angeles

    Los Angeles , CA
    #3 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #3 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #3 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #3 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    49K

    Career Outlook for Mathematics degree at University of California, Los Angeles

    Cost of Degree: $13,747
    Expenses: $24,284
    Starting Salary: $70,458
    Salary after 4 years: $90,501
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of California, Los Angeles known for?

    University of California, Los Angeles’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    UCLA Math Majors:

    • Mathematics
    • Applied Mathematics
    • Financial Actuarial Mathematics
    • Mathematics/ Applied Science
    • Mathematics of Computation
    • Mathematics for Teaching
    Source
    Compare school
  16. #14

    Johns Hopkins University

    Baltimore , MD
    #11 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #11 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #11 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #14 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    40K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1545/34

    Career Outlook for Mathematics degree at Johns Hopkins University

    Cost of Degree: $62,840
    Expenses: $22,725
    Starting Salary: $111,414
    Salary after 4 years: $130,592
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Johns Hopkins University known for?

    Johns Hopkins University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    JHU Math Major:

    • BA in Mathematics
    Source
    Compare school
  18. #15

    California Institute of Technology

    Pasadena , CA
    #1 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #8 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #12 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #12 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    3%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for Mathematics degree at California Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $63,255
    Expenses: $23,631
    Starting Salary: $132,624
    Salary after 4 years: $155,453
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is California Institute of Technology known for?

    California Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    CalTech Math Major:

    • BS Mathmatics
    Source
    Compare school
  19. #16

    Duke University

    Durham , NC
    #1 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #1 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #6 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #13 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    18K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1530/34

    Career Outlook for Mathematics degree at Duke University

    Cost of Degree: $65,805
    Expenses: $21,267
    Starting Salary: $142,854
    Salary after 4 years: $167,445
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Duke University known for?

    Duke University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Duke University Math Majors:

    • BA/BS in Mathematics
    Source
    Compare school
  20. #17

    University of Southern California

    Los Angeles , CA
    #9 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #14 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #14 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #17 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    54K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1500/33

    Career Outlook for Mathematics degree at University of Southern California

    Cost of Degree: $68,237
    Expenses: $22,216
    Starting Salary: $110,790
    Salary after 4 years: $129,861
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Southern California known for?

    University of Southern California’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    USC Math Majors:

    • BA/BS in Mathematics
    • BA/BS in Applied Computational Mathematics
    • BS in Economics/Mathematics
    Source
    Compare school
  21. #18

    University of Texas at Austin

    Austin , TX
    #4 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #4 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #4 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #4 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    31%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    55K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1365/29

    Career Outlook for Mathematics degree at University of Texas at Austin

    Cost of Degree: $11,678
    Expenses: $19,894
    Starting Salary: $71,131
    Salary after 4 years: $91,367
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Texas at Austin known for?

    University of Texas at Austin’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    UT Austin Math Majors:

    • BA/BS in Mathematics
    • BA/BS in Teaching
    • BSA in Mathematics
    • BS in Actuarial Science
    • BS in Mathematics Honors
    Source
    Compare school
  22. #19

    University of Washington

    Seattle , WA
    #1 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #5 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #5 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #5 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    48%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    58K

    Career Outlook for Mathematics degree at University of Washington

    Cost of Degree: $12,643
    Expenses: $21,909
    Starting Salary: $66,993
    Salary after 4 years: $86,051
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Washington known for?

    University of Washington’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Washington Math Majors:

    • BA/BS in Mathematics
    • BA in Teacher Prep Option
    • BA in Philosophy Option
    Source
    Compare school
  24. #20

    Northwestern University

    Evanston , IL
    #14 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #15 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #15 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #18 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    27K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1530/34

    Career Outlook for Mathematics degree at Northwestern University

    Cost of Degree: $65,997
    Expenses: $25,293
    Starting Salary: $116,529
    Salary after 4 years: $136,588
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Northwestern University known for?

    Northwestern University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Northwestern University Math Major:

    • Mathematics
    Source
    Compare school
  25. #21

    Carnegie Mellon University

    Pittsburgh , PA
    #10 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #15 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #16 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #16 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    16K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1530/34

    Career Outlook for Mathematics degree at Carnegie Mellon University

    Cost of Degree: $63,274
    Expenses: $19,868
    Starting Salary: $128,506
    Salary after 4 years: $150,627
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Carnegie Mellon University known for?

    Carnegie Mellon University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    CMU Math Major Concentrations:

    • Mathematical Sciences
    • Operations Research and Statistics
    • Statistics
    • Discrete Mathematics & Logic
    • Computational and Applied Mathematics
    Source
    Compare school
  26. #22

    Brown University

    Providence , RI
    #10 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #16 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #17 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #17 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    5%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/35

    Career Outlook for Mathematics degree at Brown University

    Cost of Degree: $68,230
    Expenses: $19,418
    Starting Salary: $111,164
    Salary after 4 years: $130,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Brown University known for?

    Brown University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Brown University Math Majors:

    • ScB in Mathematics
    • AB in Mathematics
    Source
    Compare school
  27. #23

    University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    Chapel Hill , NC
    #6 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #9 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #12 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #13 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    17%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    34K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/32

    Career Outlook for Mathematics degree at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    Cost of Degree: $8,989
    Expenses: $17,120
    Starting Salary: $66,223
    Salary after 4 years: $85,061
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill known for?

    University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    UNC Chapel Hill Math Majors:

    • BA/BS in Mathematics
    Source
    Compare school
  28. #24

    University of Notre Dame

    Notre Dame , IN
    #3 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #21 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #22 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #25 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    13%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1500/33

    Career Outlook for Mathematics degree at University of Notre Dame

    Cost of Degree: $62,693
    Expenses: $20,578
    Starting Salary: $122,767
    Salary after 4 years: $143,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Notre Dame known for?

    University of Notre Dame’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Notre Dame Math Major Concentrations:

    • Honors Program
    • Honors Program in Arts & Letters
    • Career Program
    • Life Sciences Program
    • Mathematics and Computing
    • Mathematics Education Program
    • Business Administration Program
    • Mathematics and Engineering Science Program
    Source
    Compare school
  30. #25

    Rice University

    Houston , TX
    #19 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in Texas 2024 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in Texas 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $55K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1530/35

    Career Outlook for Mathematics degree at Rice University

    Cost of Degree: $58,128
    Expenses: $20,150
    Starting Salary: $114,283
    Salary after 4 years: $133,956
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Rice University known for?

    Rice University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Rice University Math Majors:

    • BA/BS in Mathematics
    Source
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Frequently Asked Questions About Math Bachelor’s Degrees

Earning a bachelor’s degree in math can open numerous professional doors. Majoring in mathematics prepares you for a variety of careers analyzing and interpreting numbers and data, whether real or hypothetical. With a mathematics major, you hone your skills of logic and analysis to organize numbers, find patterns, and predict outcomes. This could suit you to work as a financial planning consultant for private clients, a cost analyst for a major firm, or a statistician for an important public health campaign.

Today, top influencers in mathematics are bringing new light to areas like Digital signal processing, Stochastic analysis, Mathematical digital art, Catastrophe theory, and much more.

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Mathematics is a great major because of its versatility. Math majors can work in virtually any sector. Whether your interest is in finance, immigration, or transportation, there’s a math career for you. Mathematics professionals get to dig deep into data and apply their findings to challenges in healthcare, military strategy, space exploration, supply chain management, and so much more. Some math majors work in completely theoretical areas, solving centuries-old problems. Others teach teenagers and adults practical mathematics and advanced ideas. If you’re fascinated by numbers, patterns and shapes, you will likely have many career paths from which to choose.

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Once you’ve declared your major in mathematics, you will likely be required to complete a set of core courses in a number of math- and STEM-related subject areas. While your concentration will give you a chance to choose from a wide range of highly-specialized mathematics electives, there are several common courses that most math majors will be required to take, including:

  • Discrete Mathematics
  • Differential Equations
  • Calculus
  • Algorithms
  • Linear Algebra
  • Statistics
  • Applied Partial Differential Equations
  • Vector Calculus
  • Numerical Analysis
  • Differential Geometry
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Earning a degree in mathematics can qualify you for a number of well-paying jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of jobs for mathematics majors is expected to grow at a dramatic rate of 33% by 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. And earnings are also significantly higher than the average for all occupations, with mathematicians and statisticians earning a median annual wage of $92,030 per year in 2019.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Research Universities, Liberal Arts Colleges, Online Colleges

In pursuing a bachelor’s degree, you will need to choose between three kinds of schools: research universities, liberal arts colleges, and online colleges.

Research universities are colleges and universities whose faculty are active in research and publishing. Research universities offer a wide array of doctoral programs, especially in the sciences. They tend to be big, with tens of thousands of students.

Do you prefer a larger university setting, such as largest public university in your state? Research universities are typically big, offering degrees in many different disciplines.

Is a big high-powered research environment the thing for you? If not, you should think about a liberal arts college. In deciding on an undergraduate institution, ask yourself what sort of environment will best help you to be happy and excel.

  • Consider whether you are self motivated enough to be a face in the crowd for some classes and largely unknown on campus at a large university. Of course you can find clubs and friends at a large university, but often liberal arts colleges have a more personal quality to them. If you want the community feel, a research university may not fit you well.
  • Are you interested in STEM fields? Research universities have that name for a reason – real research is happening there. This can create an exciting atmosphere for students interested in STEM. Attending a research university can give you a better chance of getting into better programs for graduate degrees, although a lot of that depends on your performance.
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Learn more about research universities by reading about the best research universities in the US.

Often referred to as “teaching colleges” liberal arts colleges put a premium on undergraduate studies and offers a broad range of subjects for students to study. A college of liberal arts typically provides smaller class sizes, more direct engagement with professors, and, most importantly, the opportunity to sample a wide range of subject areas on the way to a bachelor’s degree.

  • Do you want your professors to know you? Liberal arts colleges strive to cultivate campus cultures that encourage tight bonds between professors and students.

    • Professors at these schools will typically conduct original research. Yet the best of these schools offer their faculty reduced teaching loads so that they can both be productive researchers and still have plenty of time for students (both in and outside the classroom).

  • Do you want to feel like you know everybody? One of the most enticing features of a liberal arts college is that in very little time, you can feel like you know who’s who, which can create strong friendships and make walks across campus more fun. While your sports teams may never be on ESPN, it’s more likely that you’ll know the athletes as your peers.

    • Beyond student and faculty relationships, it’s not unusual for the school president and other administrators to learn who you are. When faced with problems with your student account or the need to switch classes, this can be comforting during a stressful moment.

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Learn more about liberal arts colleges by reading about the best liberal arts colleges in the US.

If you think a liberal arts college may be a better fit for you, see our ranking of the best liberal arts colleges for a bachelor’s in mathematics.

Online colleges are typically the same colleges and universities you could attend in-person, but for certain degree programs the college or unviersity has made the degree programs available to be completed online. For over 5 million students, online degree programs allow students to earn their degrees in the most flexible format available.

Online degrees are as respected as the on-campus degrees you could earn from the same schools. There’s usually no distinction between the two degrees, and your degree and transcript will not say that the degree was earned online.

Online degree programs are offered by a vast majority of colleges and universities, and the number of offering continues to grow. Whether you are searching for an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate, there’s a good chance you can earn your degree online from a respectable online college.

  • Are you a self-driven student? Perhaps the hardest aspect of obtaining an online degree is whether you will be disciplined enough to manage your time and course demands.

    • Many online students report that online college made them more disciplined in all areas of their lives, but the flexible, self-paced learning that makes online colleges attractive can often be the same qualities that make it difficult. If you tend to be a procrastinator, you need to be honest with yourself. You can change your habits and propensities, or you can throw money down the drain.

  • Do you need the flexibility of an online degree program? Most online students study online because of time demands of balancing work and life, or because the online college affords them the chance to attend a better school without moving.

    • If you are serious about earning your degree for career advancement, online colleges make it possible. The most flexible options among online degrees are those that are asynchronous, meaning you don’t have scheduled times to meet with your class online. However, many students seek synchronous online degree programs so that they have some structure – set meeting times, scheduled exams, etc.

  • The good news is that attending an online college doesn’t mean you will miss out on getting to know your professors and classmates. In fact, many online students who have experienced both online and on-campus courses report having easier access to their professors.

    • Since most communication with your professor is expected to be in text – via email or your class learning management system – it makes asking your questions easier. The same students also report that they got to better know the thoughts of their classmates. While in-person course conversations can be dominated by a few extroverts, online courses that require online discussions make it so that you see all of your classmates’ thoughts and questions.

If you’re interested in an online bachelor’s degree, check out what the best online colleges offer, or search our online degrees for the exact program that interests you. In either case, you will find well respected colleges and universities that offer online degrees.

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Go to all Research Universities for Mathematics programs

The Best Mathematics Schools in Your State

Go to the best mathematics schools in Alabama! Go to the best mathematics schools in Alaska! Go to the best mathematics schools in Arizona! Go to the best mathematics schools in Arkansas! Go to the best mathematics schools in California! Go to the best mathematics schools in Colorado! Go to the best mathematics schools in Connecticut! Go to the best mathematics schools in Delaware! Go to the best mathematics schools in District Of Columbia! Go to the best mathematics schools in Florida! Go to the best mathematics schools in Georgia! Go to the best mathematics schools in Hawaii! Go to the best mathematics schools in Idaho! Go to the best mathematics schools in Illinois! Go to the best mathematics schools in Indiana! Go to the best mathematics schools in Iowa! Go to the best mathematics schools in Kansas! Go to the best mathematics schools in Kentucky! Go to the best mathematics schools in Louisiana! Go to the best mathematics schools in Maine! Go to the best mathematics schools in Maryland! Go to the best mathematics schools in Massachusetts! Go to the best mathematics schools in Michigan! Go to the best mathematics schools in Minnesota! Go to the best mathematics schools in Mississippi! Go to the best mathematics schools in Missouri! Go to the best mathematics schools in Montana! Go to the best mathematics schools in Nebraska! Go to the best mathematics schools in Nevada! Go to the best mathematics schools in New Hampshire! Go to the best mathematics schools in New Jersey! Go to the best mathematics schools in New Mexico! Go to the best mathematics schools in New York! Go to the best mathematics schools in North Carolina! Go to the best mathematics schools in North Dakota! Go to the best mathematics schools in Ohio! Go to the best mathematics schools in Oklahoma! Go to the best mathematics schools in Oregon! Go to the best mathematics schools in Pennsylvania! Go to the best mathematics schools in Puerto Rico! Go to the best mathematics schools in Rhode Island! Go to the best mathematics schools in South Carolina! Go to the best mathematics schools in South Dakota! Go to the best mathematics schools in Tennessee! Go to the best mathematics schools in Texas! Go to the best mathematics schools in Utah! Go to the best mathematics schools in Vermont! Go to the best mathematics schools in Virginia! Go to the best mathematics schools in Washington! Go to the best mathematics schools in West Virginia! Go to the best mathematics schools in Wisconsin! Go to the best mathematics schools in Wyoming!
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Learn More About Mathematics

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