2027 Best Value Applied Mathematics Schools in Illinois

[Applied Mathematics](/majors/mathematics-and-statistics/applied-mathematics/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 7 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value applied mathematics schools.
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2027 Best Value Applied Mathematics Schools in Illinois
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in applied mathematics, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Applied Mathematics Schools
Leading the list is University Of Illinois At Chicago, our #1 best value for applied mathematics in Illinois. Located in the city of Chicago, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,949, while out-of-state students pay about $32,009. Students borrow a median of $20,115 to complete the applied mathematics program here. Applied Mathematics graduates of University Of Illinois At Chicago earn a median of $61,829 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,115 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%.
A rank of #2 makes University Of Illinois At Springfield one of the best values for applied mathematics. University Of Illinois At Springfield is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Springfield. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,557, compared with $20,139 for out-of-state students. Applied Mathematics graduates carry a median of $24,925 in student loans. Soon after graduation, applied mathematics degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Springfield generally make around $53,344. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%.
A rank of #3 makes University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign one of the best values for applied mathematics. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public school located in the city of Champaign. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Applied Mathematics graduates carry a median of $20,778 in student loans. Soon after graduation, applied mathematics degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign generally make around $57,461. That is a strong return on a $20,778 median debt. The acceptance rate is 42%.
A rank of #4 makes Northern Illinois University one of the best values for applied mathematics. Located in the suburb of Dekalb, Northern Illinois University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,060. Typical student debt for applied mathematics graduates is $25,209. Early-career applied mathematics graduates make about $52,308. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants.
University Of Chicago is a great value for students pursuing a degree in applied mathematics, landing the #5 spot this year. University Of Chicago is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,324. Applied Mathematics graduates carry a median of $15,854 in student loans. Early-career applied mathematics graduates make about $81,002. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted.
Northwestern University ranked #6 on our 2027 list of the best value applied mathematics schools. Northwestern University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Evanston. Students from in state pay about $68,322 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $16,616 to complete the applied mathematics program here. Applied Mathematics graduates of Northwestern University earn a median of $94,684 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,616 median debt. Roughly 8% of applicants are accepted.
Depaul University earned the #7 position for value in applied mathematics this year. Set in the city of Chicago, Depaul University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,405. Applied Mathematics graduates carry a median of $25,340 in student loans. Soon after graduation, applied mathematics degree recipients from Depaul University generally make around $81,728. Set against $25,340 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%.
More Applied Mathematics Rankings
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Notes and References
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 7 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 7 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.