by our College Data Analytics Team
[Mathematics](/majors/mathematics-and-statistics/mathematics/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 5 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value mathematics schools.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the mathematics degrees they offer, see the list below.
Grinnell College earned the #1 spot for value among mathematics schools in Iowa. Grinnell College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Grinnell. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,196. Mathematics graduates carry a median of $17,154 in student loans. Early-career mathematics graduates make about $38,888. Set against $17,154 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 14% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Northern Iowa earned it the #2 place for mathematics. University Of Northern Iowa is a large public school located in the city of Cedar Falls. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,936, while out-of-state students pay about $21,712. Students borrow a median of $19,723 to complete the mathematics program here. Mathematics graduates of University Of Northern Iowa earn a median of $51,423 early in their careers. Set against $19,723 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%.
Students looking for strong value in mathematics will find it at Iowa State University, which ranked #3. Set in the city of Ames, Iowa State University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Mathematics graduates carry a median of $22,942 in student loans. Mathematics graduates of Iowa State University earn a median of $51,422 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,942 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%.
Students looking for strong value in mathematics will find it at University Of Iowa, which ranked #4. University Of Iowa is a very large public school located in the city of Iowa City. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,283, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for mathematics graduates is $21,738. Mathematics graduates of University Of Iowa earn a median of $60,612 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,738 median debt. The acceptance rate is 84%.
Drake University came in at #5 on our 2027 list of the best value mathematics schools. Located in the city of Des Moines, Drake University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $51,960. Typical student debt for mathematics graduates is $22,273. Soon after graduation, mathematics degree recipients from Drake University generally make around $56,228. That is a strong return on a $22,273 median debt. Drake University admits about 64% of applicants.
This ranking is produced 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 · 5 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.