### SUMMARY

 Majoring in Applied Mathematics is a valuable choice and frequently a mandatory first step for scholars trying to begin a career as a computer systems analyst, a logistician, or a civil engineer. Interestingly, nationally, applied mathematics is a fairly common choice coming in at the 92nd most popular degree. Last academic year, there were 4,288 applied mathematics degrees conferred. In-state tuition for applied mathematics at private schools is, on average, 4.2 times more expensive than their public equivalents.

 There are 256 colleges which offer applied mathematics. This number of colleges is fairly average in terms of the number of institutions which offer each degree. If you are looking to immerse yourself with other applied mathematics undergrads, consider colleges in California which have more students admitted to applied mathematics than any other state. More generally, the best region to pursue applied mathematics is in the Far West region with [University of California-Berkeley](/colleges/university-of-california-berkeley), [University of California-Los Angeles](/colleges/university-of-california-los-angeles), and [University of California-San Diego](/colleges/university-of-california-san-diego) best representing the region. Interestingly, our pick for the top conference to major in applied mathematics is the Pacific-12 Conference with [University of California-Berkeley](/colleges/university-of-california-berkeley), [University of California-Los Angeles](/colleges/university-of-california-los-angeles), and [University of Southern California](/colleges/university-of-southern-california) representing the conference. That said, our choice for the best college for applied mathematics is [Massachusetts Institute of Technology](/colleges/massachusetts-institute-of-technology). You may also want to check out our list of [best colleges](/rankings/best-colleges).

 The overall best school does not have to be the 'best' school for you. There might be many more perspectives to weigh when deciding on school. Things like campus amenities, transportation services, and food could definitely modify one's inclinations on where to go to school. At Authority, we have weighed the pros and cons for you. If, for example, you want to know which applied mathematics university boasts the top campus, the winner is [Harvard University](/colleges/harvard-university). If, for example, you are primarily interested in which college is home to the finest campus, we have a whole page [dedicated to that](/rankings/best-college-campuses). We have carefully pored through professor reviews, government databases, student reviews, and more so we can compare every U.S. major in an unbiased and informative way. You can explore our comprehensive list for the universities with the [best student life](/rankings/best-student-life)&nbsphere and our pick of the college with the best student life for applied mathematics is [University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill](/colleges/university-of-north-carolina-at-chapel-hill). Are you curious why? Continue reading to learn more about Authority's top selections. Many of our picks will probably surprise you.

 If price is a primary factor in your decisions, you might consider avoiding [Columbia University in the City of New York](/colleges/columbia-university-in-the-city-of-new-york). [Columbia University in the City of New York](/colleges/columbia-university-in-the-city-of-new-york)&nbspappears to be our most expensive college for applied mathematics, at least regarding out of state students. That being said, we have a page for the [most expensive](/rankings/most-expensive-colleges)&nbspschools that might put the price tag at [Columbia University in the City of New York](/colleges/columbia-university-in-the-city-of-new-york)&nbspinto perspective. For more context, you might care to know that applied mathematics is the 64th most expensive major in the nation, with an average bill of $44,900. To zoom out a little, the most costly state for applied mathematics in the country is Maryland with expenses at the primary two colleges Johns Hopkins University and Loyola University Maryland of $55,350 and $48,700 respectively. To zoom out even further, the most costly region of the country for applied mathematics is the New England region which is best demonstrated with [Yale University](/colleges/yale-university) with a cost of $55,500, [Tufts University](/colleges/tufts-university) with a cost of $57,324, and [Brown University](/colleges/brown-university) with a cost of $57,112.

 Our cheapest region for applied mathematics is the Plains region which is represented by [Metropolitan State University](/colleges/metropolitan-state-university) with a cost of $14,345, [Missouri University of Science and Technology](/colleges/missouri-university-of-science-and-technology) with a cost of $27,921, and [South Dakota School of Mines and Technology](/colleges/south-dakota-school-of-mines-and-technology) with a cost of $11,920. In better news, the most affordable university for applied mathematics is [Stony Brook University](/colleges/stony-brook-university). Our entire list of the most affordable universities can be found [here](/rankings/most-affordable-colleges).

 In-state students can anticipate paying around $11,000 for a degree in applied mathematics. The cost balloons substantially to a median of $27,000 for an out-of-state public-school undergraduate. Our choice for the university constituting the best value for applied mathematics: [Massachusetts Institute of Technology](/colleges/massachusetts-institute-of-technology). On this page you will see our comprehensive list for the schools we see as being the [best value](/rankings/best-value-colleges)&nbspin general. That being said, this discussion is based on out-of-state tuition costs. A discussion of value changes when it comes to in-state tuition, but as we do not know what state(s) you might qualify for in-state tuition, we are approaching this discussion through out-of-state tuition costs.

 Earnings for applied mathematics students vary a lot, but two years after completing the major students will regularly earn around $67,900. While there is a lot of variation in earnings potential; highest paid earners can rake in up to $128,700. Right out of school, the lowest end opportunities within the applied mathematics field earn $34,900, which could be worse. The highest earning grads for applied mathematics have come from [Massachusetts Institute of Technology](/colleges/massachusetts-institute-of-technology)&nbspand if you want to find the universities with all of the [highest earning graduates](/rankings/highest-earning-graduates), Authority has that too.

 The general diversity of applied mathematics is quite high, coming within the 82nd percentile of majors nationally. The college with the highest composite diversity for applied mathematics is [Massachusetts Institute of Technology](/colleges/massachusetts-institute-of-technology)&nbspand here you can find our general list for the schools which have the [most diversity](/rankings/most-diverse-colleges). The overall financial diversity of the Applied Mathematics major ranks only in the 47th percentile of all majors. Racial diversity is actually above financial diversity, ranking in the 75th percentile. Students who are not latino, asian, white, or black compose the largest share at 49% of scholars studying applied mathematics. Additionally, 61% of undergraduates seeking an applied mathematics major are men.

 The median rating of applied mathematics professors is 3.8 stars, a rating that is 5% worse than the median score across every major; which is a subpar ranking. If you want the most popular applied mathematics instructor in the country, consider looking up Andrew Burch at [Estrella Mountain Community College](/colleges/estrella-mountain-community-college). It may come as a surprise, but the best ranked professors for applied mathematics by student come from [Miami Dade College](/colleges/miami-dade-college). If we including data beyond basic rankings we find that the school possessing comprehensively the best professors for applied mathematics is [Massachusetts Institute of Technology](/colleges/massachusetts-institute-of-technology). One will find an explanation of our evolving ranking methodology for the [best overall professors here](/rankings/best-professors), as well as many of the top examples of professors in the U.S.

 Finally, the hardest university to get into for applied mathematics is [Stanford University](/colleges/stanford-university). While we do not necessarily see the value in it, we do have an extensive page of the [hardest colleges to get into](/rankings/hardest-colleges-to-get-into). But, we hope you believe that approaching college through a lens only derived from superlatives could be said to be the root of many of higher education's fundamental problems. We hope you look at some of our more nuanced pages on different schools and explore some of our background 'blog posts' on important things to look for as you continue your college search.



 ### POPULARITY

 Applied mathematics is the 92nd most popular degree in America, with 4,288 students receiving their bachelors degree last year. It just beat out #93 [Music Performance](/rankings/best-colleges-for-music-performance), and narrowly lost to #91 [Organizational Leadership](/rankings/best-colleges-for-organizational-leadership).

 The degree is offered at a total of 256 colleges across the nation, and is the 87th most widely offered degree. Given that applied mathematics is offered at 31% of the Top 100 [Best Colleges](/rankings/best-colleges) in America, you can be sure this is a critical degree and the skillsets acquired are likely to last for a long time.

 It is also worth noting that 51% of colleges offering applied mathematics are public making it a pretty accessible field.

 The far west produces the most applied mathematics graduates, largely led by [University of California-Berkeley](/colleges/university-of-california-berkeley), while it’s the Pacific-12 Conference that leads conference totals. As far as states, California ranks highest, with particular help from [University of California-Berkeley](/colleges/university-of-california-berkeley) and [University of California-Los Angeles](/colleges/university-of-california-los-angeles).

 All that being said, no individual school produces more applied mathematics graduates than [University of Alabama at Birmingham](/colleges/university-of-alabama-at-birmingham), which graduated 385 students last year alone. Although size is critical, another important factor to consider is the program’s density (the percent of all students that study applied mathematics). More students studied applied mathematics as a percentage of total students at [Atlanta Metropolitan State College](/colleges/atlanta-metropolitan-state-college) than any other college.



 ### COST

 Applied mathematics is the 64th most expensive major in America, with a median cost of $44,871 amongst the top 50 programs (just ahead of #65, [Directing and Theatrical Production](rankings/best-colleges-for-directing-and-theatrical-production), with a median cost of $44,714).

 New England has the most expensive colleges with top 50 applied mathematics programs led by [Yale University](/colleges/yale-university) with an annual cost of $55,500. The most expensive state for applied mathematics is Maryland led by [Johns Hopkins University](/colleges/johns-hopkins-university) and [Loyola University Maryland](/colleges/loyola-university-maryland).

 Public schools with solid programs by and large charge 76.13% less than private schools for in-state students. However, when looking at out-of-state tuition, the median top 50 Public school charges 41.28% less than your average private school. So, if you're trying to find a state school, make sure you qualify for in-state tuition sooner rather than later.

 The most high-priced option in the top 25 is [Columbia University in the City of New York](/colleges/columbia-university-in-the-city-of-new-york), which is the 3rd most expensive college in America. The most affordable option in the top 100 is [Brigham Young University-Provo](/colleges/brigham-young-university-provo). It costs just $5,790 per year, but it's ranked 68th for its applied mathematics program. If you’re looking for a higher ranked, but still affordable option, [Stony Brook University](/colleges/stony-brook-university)  is probably right for you, ranked #1 with an in-state cost of just $7,070. Another more affordable pick would be #21, [University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill](/colleges/university-of-north-carolina-at-chapel-hill) in Orange County, NC with a cost of $7,019 for in-state students and $34,198 for out-of-state students.



### SALARY

 Begining college is a massive investment for most undergraduates. It's important to have confidence you boost your earning power. We hope the following earnings and job placement statistics help you make an informed decision when picking your major.

 The average Applied Mathematics alumni takes home a starting income of $60,907 a year, which is the 47th most of any focus. Later on in their professional lives, they can earn as high as $128,677 per annum down to $34,925, but average close to $67,925. For context, that's 76% north of the United States average.

 The most popular work position for an Applied Mathematics graduate is Engineer, which typically earn around $59,000; next are Software Engineer and Analyst, which predominantly make approximately $65,000 and $54,000 respectively.

 New England has the highest earning Applied Mathematics graduates. MA has the best paid Applied Mathematics alumni of any state. The best paid conference for Applied Mathematics graduates is Ivy League.



### PROFESSORS

 Fast Facts for Applied Mathematics: Median Professor Rating: 3.8 / 5, which is below average.

 Instructors again and again have a big influence your college experience, regardless of your primary focus. An awesome instructor may help a student find their passion and even make a difficult subject seem easy. Contrarily, a bad professor can drive unwanted anxiety or even worse... flunk you!

 Applied Mathematics professors have a median student rating of 3.8 out of 5, putting them in the lower 21% in the nation based on overall professor quality. For context a 3.8 rating is 5% shy of the national median professor rating for all subjects. Professors of Applied Mathematics slightly surpassed those from ["Jazz"](/rankings/best-colleges-for-jazz), whereas ["Biological and Biomedical Sciences"](/rankings/best-colleges-for-biological-and-biomedical-sciences)&nbspprofessors ranked one slot above Applied Mathematics.

 Now for some statistics about Applied Mathematics professors. Colleges located in remote rural areas tend to have the best Applied Mathematics professors. The Division II Independents has the highest rated Applied Mathematics professors. The Rocky Mountains region has the highest rated Applied Mathematics professors. Public institutions tend to have higher rated Applied Mathematics professors than private institutions. Finally, Utah has the highest rated Applied Mathematics professors in America.

 Andrew Burch, professor at [Estrella Mountain Community College](/colleges/estrella-mountain-community-college)&nbspin Avondale, AZ is the most popular Applied Mathematics professor in America. Pat Franzer, professor at [Wright State University-Lake Campus](/colleges/wright-state-university-lake-campus)&nbspin Celina, OH is the highest rated Applied Mathematics professor in America, with a rating of 5 / 5.

 Find out which institutions have the [Best Professors](/rankings/best-professors)!



### STUDENTS

 College is an immensely significant adventure in one's life; it is an occasion for personal progress and evolution. Pupils try to learn what they wish to become and develop many of the rudimentary skills to become a prosperous adult. But learning is more than sitting in a classroom environment - the late nights discussing Langston Hughes with a peer, the nugget of wisdom learned from an eccentric professor, the exposure to a different way of viewing the world. As such, attending a diverse college tremendously improves what you gain from your time in school.

 Applied Mathematics is a pretty racially diverse subject. It has the 6th biggest share of students of other races\*\*. 49% of the United States' Applied Mathematics majors are students of other races\*\*, followed by white students (30%), asian students (15%), and latino students (6%). The most racially diverse college\* in the top 100 is [Trinity University](/colleges/trinity-university) located in San Antonio, TX.

 Secondly, Applied Mathematics significatly skews male, with a little over three out of every five students majoring in Applied Mathematics identifying as men. [Whitman College](/colleges/whitman-college) in Walla Walla, WA has the most gender balanced student body in the top 100.

 Another important type of diversity is financial diversity. Applied Mathematics ranks fairly close to average for economic diversity (53rd percentile). 30% of its majors come from households with $110,000 plus annual incomes, 16% are from households that earn between $48,000 and $75,000 a year, and 24% grew up in homes with a sub $30,000 income. [University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg](/colleges/university-of-pittsburgh-greensburg) has the most fiscally diverse students in the top 100.

 Considering each type of diversity, overall TX is the most diverse state for Applied Mathematics. The Southwest is the most diverse region, and the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference is the most diverse conference.

   \* diversity calculations and comparisons are based on [Simpson's Diversity Index](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diversity_index)   
  \*\* other races is used to refer to non asian, black, latino, or white

  #### Diversity Statistics

  ##### Racial Diversity

 * Asian: 15%
* Black: 1%
* Latino: 6%
* White: 30%
* Other: 49%
  ##### Gender Diversity

 * Male: 61%
* Female: 39%
  ##### Socioeconomic Diversity (By Household Income)

 * Under 30k: 24%
* 30k - 48k: 15%
* 48k - 75k: 16%
* 75k - 110k: 15%
* Over 110k: 30%
  ##### Geographic Diversity

 * In State: 65%
* Out of State: 28%
* International: 8%


Stanford University

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

California Institute of Technology

Brown University

Harvard University

Rice University

Duke University

Yale University

Columbia University in the City of New York

Harvey Mudd College

Johns Hopkins University

Washington University in St Louis

Northwestern University

Carnegie Mellon University

Swarthmore College

Barnard College

University of California-Berkeley

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

Bowdoin College

Tufts University

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

University of Southern California

University of California-Los Angeles

Emory University

The University of Texas at Austin

Search for the best Applied Mathematics colleges according to your filter parameters.

2023 Applied Mathematics Professors

There are about 21,047 students enrolled in Applied Mathematics in the USA.

PROFESSORS