Most Affordable Online Mathematics Degree Programs

A bachelor’s in mathematics provides students with an analytical and problem-solving foundation. This is suitable for many career pursuits, including the fields of finance, medicine, science, and technology. The discipline comprises programs in actuarial science, statistics, and data science.

The professional outlook bodes very well for mathematics graduates, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projecting 28% growth for math occupations between 2020 and 2030. The median annual salary in the field was $98,680 in May 2021. Both of these numbers more than double the respective averages for all occupations.

With the average annual undergraduate tuition rate at $13,677 in 2020-21 and rising steadily, as per the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a degree with a strong outlook can have great value. Here, we outline what students might encounter in the program and the career paths. We also provide a ranking of the most affordable online bachelor’s in mathematics from the top online schools.

According to NCES, full-time students paid an average annual tuition of about $9,400 at public schools and $37,600 at private nonprofit schools in 2020-21. Depending on their school and program choice, students could pay less than $200 per credit or about $2,000 per credit.

Prospective students need to consider additional costs as well, such as room and board, books, and travel. In an online bachelor’s in mathematics, learners can reduce their travel costs or eliminate them altogether. To find the true program cost, they should also incorporate how their income changes during their studies.

An online bachelor’s degree in mathematics provides students with the skills and processes to find definitive solutions to complex and abstract problems. Learners may study theoretical and applied mathematics, developing creative thinking and problem-solving capabilities along the way. Most programs run about four years and feature close to 120 credits.

A bachelor’s in mathematics may provide one or two track options — a BA or BS track. These programs differ mostly by the elective choices and focus. BA programs typically offer more elective flexibility, and BS programs focus more on analytical training. A BS is often the more common of the two.

The concentration is perhaps the most important choice provided to prospective math students. Learners may encounter several specialization options, which can influence the direction of their senior-level studies and future careers. Popular options include computation, applied, financial actuarial mathematics, and mathematics for teaching.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

In this course, students learn the techniques and logical reasoning and communication methods for developing mathematical proofs. The course covers abstract algebra and the formulation of mathematical statements.

Students in this course learn the basics of descriptive statistics, probabilities, and statistical inferences. They may study curves, regressions, and samplings, plus hypothesis testing and identifying applications.

This course explores linear equations and transformations. Students learn to work with vectors and matrices as well. They also learn to use matrix theory for linear models and other applications.

In this course, students look at analytic functions, including those with complex arguments and outputs. They may study differentiation, Cauchy’s theorem, and calculus of residues.

Students in this course learn to design and develop algorithms for data analysis. They analyze and compare algorithms for various purposes, such as sorting, operations, and graphs.

The increasing use of big data and mathematical analysis within organizations has created a large demand for math specialists. A bachelor’s in mathematics helps students develop analytical skills that can support businesses and governments. The training also overlaps with several of the most popular college majors, including business, engineering, science, and information technology.

The BLS projects 28% growth in math occupations between 2020 and 2030, more than three times faster than the projected growth of 8% for all occupations. The profession’s median annual salary of $98,680 in May 2021 is more than $50,000 higher than the median annual wage of $45,760 for all occupations in that same period.

Find out where an online bachelor’s in mathematics leads. Learn more about STEM careers.

Operations research analysts collect and analyze information from various sources to help organizations improve their operations and make sound decisions. They may analyze budgets, supply chains, and production outputs using models and analytical tools to find opportunities for improvement. They may specialize in certain industries or in specific departments.

Median Annual Salary (May 2021):$82,360

Actuaries use statistical models and analysis to determine the risk of events and decisions. They may provide analysis for insurance or investment purposes, helping organizations identify optimal policy premiums and retiree plans. These professionals may need to present their findings to management and stakeholders and explain their work with visualizations.

Median Annual Salary (May 2021):$105,900

Budget analysts help organizations develop and refine budgets. They collect and analyze financial information, provide cost-benefit analyses, and identify opportunities that can save organizations money. These professionals create and present budget reports, develop funding proposals, and monitor organizational spending as well.

Median Annual Salary (May 2021):$79,940

Financial analysts help individuals and organizations manage their finances more effectively and put their money to work for them. They typically specialize in investments, managing portfolios and conducting risk assessments. They research market and economic trends for information, analyze financial statements and other data, and report on their findings.

Median Annual Salary (May 2021):$81,410

Mathematicians and statisticians use mathematical equations and theories to solve complex problems for various organizations. They collect and interpret data, analyze the information using models and software, and use visualizations to present their findings. They may specialize in aiding healthcare, government, and education organizations.

Median Annual Salary (May 2021):$96,280

The many applications of mathematics training work just as well for continuing education purposes as they do for professional purposes. A bachelor’s in mathematics equips graduates with a foundation that can qualify them for many master’s programs, including providing direct paths to a master’s in mathematics or a master’s in math education.

Other possible paths available include a master’s in data science, a master’s in economics, or a master’s in finance. Each of these disciplines rely on mathematics, though additional training may be required for entry into some programs.

Most students have access to several valuable financial aid options, not least of which is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA not only qualifies students for federal loans and grants, but many schools and programs also rely on FAFSA information when awarding scholarships.

A large percentage of students receive federal college loans each year, benefitting from the zero-interest funds while they study. According to a BestColleges data report, the average federal student loan debt was $37,358 in 2022. Math students who become math teachers at the secondary school level may qualify for up to $17,500 in loan forgiveness, as per the Federal Student Aid website.

Grants and scholarships offer some of the most appealing funding for students because they do not require repayment. Unlike scholarships, which tend to reward academic merit, grants focus on financial need. Federal Pell grants are some of the most common and accessible funding programs available.

Work-study programs set students up with job placements while they study. Work-study jobs provide a wage in return for labor, but they also tend to accommodate student schedules. Wherever possible, schools try to align these appointments with the student’s chosen discipline.

Scholarship programs come from many sources, including the government, schools, and private organizations. Prospective students can find scholarships via online databases or through individual schools and organizations. As a desirable STEM discipline, mathematics programs qualify students for many scholarship programs.

Rankings compiled by the the BestColleges Ranking Team

Yes. While a bachelor’s in mathematics appeals to students with a passion for math, the discipline can be very rewarding as well. Mathematics is an effective foundation for many careers, industries, and advanced degrees. The BLS projects the addition of about 67,200 new math jobs between 2020 and 2030.

Students also gain additional online degree value, which can make their training more accessible and accommodating, particularly for busy schedules. Online students can reach more programs and study while they work, which is a valuable option for those who need to maintain an income to afford their education.

After completing a bachelor’s in mathematics, graduates can enter the workforce aiding businesses, financial organizations, or government agencies. They can apply their analytical skills to develop solutions or provide valuable insight for these institutions.

Graduates can also pursue a master’s degree in several disciplines, such as mathematics, computer science, economics, or business. With these advanced and specialized credentials, they can access many more fields and senior-level positions.

Yes. There is a very strong demand for math majors. The BLS projects 33% growth for mathematicians and statisticians between 2020 and 2030, more than four times the projected growth rate of 8% for all occupations. The rise in data usage and statistical analysis for business, healthcare, and government purposes drives this demand.

The BLS also projects 24% growth for actuaries and 25% growth for operations research analysts between 2020 and 2030. These projections work out to additions of about 15,000 mathematicians and statisticians, nearly 7,000 actuaries, and over 25,000 operations research analysts over the decade.

The wages available to professionals with a bachelor’s in mathematics depend on many variables. The median annual salary for math occupations was $98,680 in May 2021, per the BLS. That number fluctuates by employer, industry, location, and professional experience.

Mathematicians and statisticians made median annual wages of $96,280 in May 2021, with mathematicians earning $108,100 and statisticians earning $95,570. Operations research analysts made median annual wages of $82,360 in May 2021, while the top 10% made over $160,850.

The highest-paying job for graduates with a bachelor’s in mathematics belongs to actuaries. According to the BLS, these professionals made median annual salaries of $105,900 in May 2021. The top 10% of professionals made more than $206,820.

Among the major employment sectors, the top-paying industry was the government, paying median annual wages of $110,590 in May 2021. The finance and insurance industry paid $110,000, professional and technical services paid $101,600, and enterprise management paid $101,510.

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