Rankings / Online Masters
Most Affordable Online Master's in Mathematics
- 50
- Schools
- $50,184
- Avg. Earnings
- 49%
- Avg. Graduation
- $14,538
- Avg. Net Price
- $20,469
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $27,981 at the low end to $102,772 at the top. That 3.7× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
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Santa Monica College offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $42,193 against $2,779 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
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The most budget-friendly option on this list is Santa Monica College, at $2,779 annually in net price.
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Completion rates separate this field: Johns Hopkins University graduates 94% of its students, well above the 49% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
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Debt-to-earnings ratios favor Johns Hopkins University: graduates owe only 0.12× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- The top spot belongs to Southeastern Oklahoma State University ($45,079 earnings), not the highest earner, Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus ($102,772). That is what weighting mobility and value over salary alone produces.
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. Santa Monica College ($2,779/yr) and Southern New Hampshire University ($36,708/yr) produce graduates earning $42,193 and $50,318 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $33,929 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, Santa Monica College outperforms Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus: similar career earnings at a much lower net price.
The Takeaway
The through line among the top-ranked schools is plain. They pair solid graduate earnings with affordable costs and meaningful social mobility. Prestige and selectivity matter far less than whether students end up better off.
What This Means for Students
Your shortlist should start with Santa Monica College and Johns Hopkins University. For each school, look up the net price your family would actually pay, weigh it against typical graduate earnings, and build the decision around the return instead of the name recognition.
Why this ranking matters
These schools are ranked on outcomes that compound: graduate earnings, upward mobility, debt, and value, all drawn from federal tax records and Scorecard data rather than reputation surveys. The list rewards results over prestige, led by institutions whose graduates earn a median of about $49K ten years after enrollment.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Southeastern Oklahoma State University #1 overall | $45,079 ▼ -10% vs avg | $8,039 | 32% | 100 |
| 2 Belhaven University #2 overall | $46,440 ▼ -7% vs avg | $15,676 | 50% | 100 |
| 3 Ave Maria University #3 overall | $49,520 ▼ -1% vs avg | $24,860 | 55% | 100 |
| $38,550 ▼ -23% vs avg | $4,904 | 42% | 100 | |
| $50,318 ▲ +0% vs avg | $36,708 | 44% | 100 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Most Affordable Online Master's in Mathematics
This analysis ranks 50 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $50,184 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 49% and an average net price of $14,538.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: Santa Monica College — Net Price: $2,779 | Graduation Rate: 36%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Johns Hopkins University — 94% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus — Median alumni earnings: $102,772
Data Insight
The most expensive quartile of colleges costs 373% more than the most affordable — but their graduates earn just 34% more.
Access & Flexibility Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about online education and the working-adult learner?
$48,347
Median earnings (10yr)
46%
Median graduation rate
$12,896
Median net price
2.0%
Avg. mobility rate
The online education market has matured. What was once a niche offering for non-traditional students is now a central way Americans access higher education. The programs that succeed pair flexibility with the support structures and academic rigor that lead to completion and career outcomes rather than enrollment alone.
The median graduation rate across these 50 schools is 46%. Median graduate earnings reach $48,347 ten years after enrollment, roughly $347 more than the national worker average of $48,000. Average net price, the cost after grants, is $12,896 a year, and median federal debt at graduation is about $21,377. Some 36% of students receive Pell grants, and mobility, the share of low-income students who reach the top quintile, averages 2.0%.
Online delivery is no longer a compromise; the best programs post outcomes competitive with their on-campus peers. With median earnings of $48,347 and a net price of $12,896, these programs show that flexibility and quality can coexist.
The podium
Build your ranking
Drag a pillar — schools re-rank live.
Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Southeastern Oklahoma State University lands at #1 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (63/100). Graduates earn a median $45,079 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,039 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
Belhaven University lands at #2 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (52/100). Graduates earn a median $46,440 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,676 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
Ave Maria University lands at #3 with a 100/100 composite, led by academic quality (72/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (51/100). Graduates earn a median $49,520 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $24,860 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Portales, NM · 92% accepted · $4,904 net
Why it ranks #4
Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus lands at #4 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (82/100) and pulled down by social mobility (51/100). Graduates earn a median $38,550 a decade after enrolling, 23% below this list's average, and net price runs $4,904 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Southern New Hampshire University lands at #5 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (93/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (31/100). Graduates earn a median $50,318 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $36,708 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
Liberty University lands at #6 with a 100/100 composite, led by academic quality (61/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (36/100). Graduates earn a median $44,813 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $29,357 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
Buena Vista University lands at #7 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $49,156 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,846 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Saint Louis, MO · 95% accepted · $22,066 net
Why it ranks #8
Maryville University of Saint Louis lands at #8 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $62,105 a decade after enrolling, 24% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,066 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Indiana University-East lands at #9 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (75/100) and pulled down by academic quality (50/100). Graduates earn a median $47,156 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,134 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
Mayville State University lands at #10 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (89/100) and pulled down by academic quality (58/100). Graduates earn a median $47,828 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,456 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Livingstone College lands at #11 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (64/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (45/100). Graduates earn a median $32,600 a decade after enrolling, 35% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,479 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
University of West Florida lands at #12 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (65/100). Graduates earn a median $49,137 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,364 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
Virginia Union University lands at #13 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (67/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (51/100). Graduates earn a median $38,275 a decade after enrolling, 24% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,235 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Atlanta, GA · 14% accepted · $12,116 net
Why it ranks #14
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus lands at #14 with a 100/100 composite, led by academic quality (87/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (74/100). Graduates earn a median $102,772 a decade after enrolling, 105% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,116 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Eastern University lands at #15 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (39/100). Graduates earn a median $51,655 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $26,662 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
The University of Texas Permian Basin lands at #16 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (65/100). Graduates earn a median $56,073 a decade after enrolling, 12% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,723 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
Dakota State University lands at #17 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (64/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (55/100). Graduates earn a median $50,970 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,057 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
University of St Francis lands at #18 with a 100/100 composite, led by academic quality (79/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (60/100). Graduates earn a median $63,926 a decade after enrolling, 27% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,006 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #19
MiraCosta College lands at #19 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (85/100) and pulled down by academic quality (58/100). Graduates earn a median $43,845 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,339 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #20
Northern Kentucky University lands at #20 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (59/100). Graduates earn a median $50,220 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $8,191 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Alexandria, LA · 92% accepted · $7,065 net
Why it ranks #21
Louisiana State University at Alexandria lands at #21 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (75/100) and pulled down by academic quality (56/100). Graduates earn a median $42,205 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,065 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #22
University of West Georgia lands at #22 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (61/100). Graduates earn a median $49,587 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,786 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #23
Maharishi International University lands at #23 with a 100/100 composite, led by academic quality (64/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (46/100). Graduates earn a median $27,981 a decade after enrolling, 44% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,956 a year. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #24
Chadron State College lands at #24 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (53/100). Graduates earn a median $47,002 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,549 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #25
Sul Ross State University lands at #25 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (44/100). Graduates earn a median $41,871 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,286 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #26
Johns Hopkins University lands at #26 with a 100/100 composite, led by academic quality (93/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (82/100). Graduates earn a median $87,555 a decade after enrolling, 74% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,809 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #27
Regent University lands at #27 with a 100/100 composite, led by academic quality (71/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (48/100). Graduates earn a median $44,498 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,923 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #28
Foothill College lands at #28 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (85/100) and pulled down by academic quality (58/100). Graduates earn a median $57,072 a decade after enrolling, 14% above this list's average, and net price runs $7,653 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #29
University of Illinois Springfield lands at #29 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (73/100) and pulled down by social mobility (59/100). Graduates earn a median $57,103 a decade after enrolling, 14% above this list's average, and net price runs $9,833 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #30
Middle Georgia State University lands at #30 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (75/100) and pulled down by academic quality (55/100). Graduates earn a median $40,863 a decade after enrolling, 19% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,361 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #31
Fitchburg State University lands at #31 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (61/100). Graduates earn a median $53,874 a decade after enrolling, 7% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,262 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #32
University of Wisconsin-Superior lands at #32 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (65/100) and pulled down by social mobility (59/100). Graduates earn a median $49,606 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,220 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #33
East Texas A&M University lands at #33 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (92/100) and pulled down by academic quality (53/100). Graduates earn a median $50,296 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $11,841 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #34
Wesleyan College lands at #34 with a 100/100 composite, led by academic quality (74/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (58/100). Graduates earn a median $44,317 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,724 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #35
Northeastern State University lands at #35 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (60/100). Graduates earn a median $45,379 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,710 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #36
Black Hills State University lands at #36 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (62/100) and pulled down by social mobility (53/100). Graduates earn a median $46,674 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,911 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #37
University of North Dakota lands at #37 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (60/100). Graduates earn a median $63,552 a decade after enrolling, 27% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,551 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #38
Santa Monica College lands at #38 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (93/100) and pulled down by academic quality (45/100). Graduates earn a median $42,193 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $2,779 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #39
University of Virginia's College at Wise lands at #39 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (92/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (64/100). Graduates earn a median $45,325 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,210 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #40
Oklahoma Panhandle State University lands at #40 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (48/100). Graduates earn a median $44,933 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,413 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #41
Shasta College lands at #41 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (89/100) and pulled down by social mobility (47/100). Graduates earn a median $39,269 a decade after enrolling, 22% below this list's average, and net price runs $2,878 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #42
Northern State University lands at #42 with a 100/100 composite, led by academic quality (67/100) and pulled down by social mobility (53/100). Graduates earn a median $47,618 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,812 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #43
Mount Vernon Nazarene University lands at #43 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $49,555 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,421 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Little Rock, AR · 59% accepted · $17,248 net
Why it ranks #44
University of Arkansas at Little Rock lands at #44 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (59/100). Graduates earn a median $45,265 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,248 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #45
Eastern Oregon University lands at #45 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (56/100). Graduates earn a median $50,112 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,148 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #46
University of Alaska Fairbanks lands at #46 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (74/100) and pulled down by academic quality (51/100). Graduates earn a median $48,866 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,892 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #47
University of South Dakota lands at #47 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (74/100) and pulled down by academic quality (54/100). Graduates earn a median $51,926 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,858 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #48
University of North Alabama lands at #48 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (78/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (61/100). Graduates earn a median $45,415 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,170 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #49
Notre Dame of Maryland University lands at #49 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (59/100). Graduates earn a median $65,344 a decade after enrolling, 30% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,169 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #50
Simmons University lands at #50 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $63,494 a decade after enrolling, 27% above this list's average, and net price runs $25,265 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 50 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
Top states on this list
Online master's programs in mathematics are increasingly appealing for those looking to advance their careers without the burden of traditional campus life. With the average debt for graduate students nearing $30,000, affordability is a key concern. Our list highlights programs that balance cost and educational quality, helping you make an informed decision.
What truly distinguishes these programs is a combination of net price, graduation rates, and post-graduation earnings. The schools listed below not only offer competitive tuition rates but also demonstrate the potential for strong financial outcomes, which can significantly impact your return on investment. When assessing the options, consider the average earnings of graduates and their completion rates, as these factors can provide insight into the program's effectiveness.
For example, the University of Florida-Online stands out with a graduation rate of 81% and an impressive average earnings figure of $71,588, while Bryant & Stratton College-Online has a much lower graduation rate at 21% and earnings of $32,568. This illustrates a critical tradeoff: higher upfront costs can lead to significantly better long-term financial outcomes, making it essential to weigh these factors carefully as you explore your options.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
Social mobility carries the heaviest weight in this ranking, and the measure comes from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built from more than 30 million anonymized tax records. Across the 31 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 2%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. Sul Ross State University leads the group at 5.2%, with Santa Monica College (4.4%) and Southeastern Oklahoma State University (3.2%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 10.5% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. University of West Florida enrolls the most, at 27.9%, a sign it is reaching the students mobility is meant to lift. A high mobility rate paired with strong access is the combination that changes a generation's trajectory.
For the low-income students who do enroll, the success rate (the odds of reaching the top quintile) averages 22.9% across the list, peaking at 58.6% at Johns Hopkins University.
These campuses can also be measured on social capital: the cross-class friendships Opportunity Insights links to long-run economic outcomes. Economic connectedness here averages 1.51, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and Simmons University is highest at 1.85.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
Where These Schools Are Located
When we compare the University of Arkansas Grantham and the University of Florida-Online, a clear performance gap emerges. Arkansas Grantham has a graduation rate of just 32% and average earnings of $63,496, while the University of Florida-Online boasts an impressive 81% graduation rate and a significantly higher average earnings figure of $71,588. This demonstrates how stronger completion rates can correlate with better financial outcomes, underscoring the importance of not only affordability but also program effectiveness.
As you evaluate these schools, think about what factors matter most for your situation. Are you prioritizing low tuition, or are you focused on potential earnings after graduation? Consider how each program aligns with your career goals and financial circumstances. It might be beneficial to reach out to current students or alumni for insights into their experiences, which can provide additional context beyond the numbers.
The data here reflects a pivotal decision-making moment for many families. Investing in an online master's degree can open doors to better job opportunities and increased earnings, but it also involves careful consideration of the financial implications. One family's choice to pursue a degree from a program with a higher graduation rate could lead to a more stable future, illustrating how crucial these decisions are in shaping long-term success and stability in life.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Most Affordable Online Master's in Mathematics: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Most Affordable Online Master's in Mathematics ranking? +
Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, OK ranks #1 in our 2026 Most Affordable Online Master's in Mathematics ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $45,079 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 32% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus posts the highest median earnings on this list: $102,772 ten years after enrollment, well above the $50,184 average across the 50 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, Santa Monica College leads: graduates earn a median $42,193 against net price of about $2,779 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
Johns Hopkins University has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 94%, compared with a 49% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $14,538 a year across the 50 ranked schools with cost data. Santa Monica College is among the most affordable at roughly $2,779. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Most Affordable Online Master's in Mathematics ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 50 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
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