by our College Data Analytics Team
[Statistics](/majors/mathematics-and-statistics/mathematics-and-statistics/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 15 schools to find the best return on investment for statistics students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in statistics, balancing cost against outcomes.
Our analysis ranked Pennsylvania State University World Campus the best value for a degree in statistics in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania State University World Campus is a large public school located in the city of University Park. In-state tuition and fees average $15,356. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,435. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in statistics will find it at West Chester University Of Pennsylvania, which ranked #2. Set in the suburb of West Chester, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,775, with out-of-state students paying around $22,599. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,258. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania admits about 78% of applicants.
Temple University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in statistics, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Philadelphia, Temple University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $23,005, while out-of-state students pay about $38,805. Typical student debt for statistics graduates is $26,816. Soon after graduation, statistics degree recipients from Temple University generally make around $60,765. Set against $26,816 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value statistics schools. Set in the city of Pittsburgh, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $21,926 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $41,430. Statistics graduates carry a median of $24,958 in student loans. Early-career statistics graduates make about $56,926. Set against $24,958 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 58%.
University Of Pennsylvania is a great value for students pursuing a degree in statistics, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Philadelphia, University Of Pennsylvania is a very large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $68,686 in tuition and fees. Statistics graduates carry a median of $16,155 in student loans. Early-career statistics graduates make about $129,732. That is a strong return on a $16,155 median debt. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted.
Carnegie Mellon University came in at #6 for value in statistics this year. Carnegie Mellon University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Pittsburgh. Students from in state pay about $65,636 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for statistics graduates is $21,375. Soon after graduation, statistics degree recipients from Carnegie Mellon University generally make around $93,111. That is a strong return on a $21,375 median debt. Roughly 12% of applicants are accepted.
Pennsylvania State University Main Campus landed the #7 spot for statistics value this year. Set in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $20,644, while out-of-state students pay about $41,790. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,435. The acceptance rate is 61%.
Villanova University placed #8 among the best values for statistics. Set in the suburb of Villanova, Villanova University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $67,776 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,184 to complete the statistics program here. Soon after graduation, statistics degree recipients from Villanova University generally make around $72,601. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted.
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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 · 15 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.