Affordable Schools

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15 of the Most Affordable Bachelor’s Degrees in Mathematics and Statistics

(source)

Mathematics is arguably one of the most important of the STEM fields, in terms of its applicability in careers and everyday life in general.

If you think about it, mathematics factors into just about everything — and statistics to a lesser degree — particularly in terms of measurement and geometry.

In this college rankings list, we are focusing on lower-cost bachelor’s degree programs in mathematics, statistics and closely-related topics. Their affordability is based on the yearly average net price of each college’s undergrad programs, as recorded in the NCES.ed.gov Web database.

Below, we’ve compiled a partial list of math- and statistics-related occupations, as well as sectors/ industries/ organizations that have shown the need for graduates of a bachelor’s or advanced degree in math, stats or that of closely related topics. The list aggregates roles and industries/ organizations specifically mentioned on the Web sites of the 15 colleges and universities ranked in this article for economical bachelor’s degrees in these topics. Some of the occupations below may require studies beyond a bachelor’s degree, including special certificates, professional certification, or in some cases a master’s or doctoral degree. This is only a partial list.

  1. academics – colleges, research labs
  2. accountant
  3. actuary
  4. aerospace companies
  5. astronomer
  6. banker
  7. biologist
  8. biomedical engineer
  9. biotech firms
  10. climatologist
  11. commercial banks
  12. computer programmer
  13. computer systems analyst
  14. cryptographer
  15. data analyst
  16. data scientist
  17. database developer
  18. digital media (encryption, compression, etc)
  19. economist
  20. engineer
  21. engineering firms
  22. finance
  23. financial analyst
  24. government agencies
  25. healthcare organizations
  26. insurance companies
  27. insurance underwriter
  28. intelligence agencies
  29. investment analyst
  30. lawyer
  31. market research analyst
  32. math lecturer – community or technical college
  33. math teacher – elementary
  34. math teacher – middle school
  35. math teacher – secondary
  36. mathematician – applied
  37. mathematician – pure
  38. non-profits
  39. operations research analyst
  40. physicist
  41. physics
  42. professor – college/ community college
  43. psychologist
  44. research assistant
  45. research firms/ labs
  46. researcher
  47. risk management expert
  48. security (Internet/ cyber, data, etc.)
  49. sociologist
  50. software designer
  51. software engineer
  52. software publishers
  53. statistician
  54. stock broker
  55. stock market analyst
  56. technology companies
  57. writer – math articles
  58. author – math textbooks

Data on job growth for the 2014-2024 period for some of the above or related careers are profiled in the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH). See the list below for some math/stats-specific occupations that are profiled. Also, clicking on the “Similar Occupations” tab at far right on each bls.gov Web page will show additional related occupations.

  1. Statisticians: 34%
  2. Operations Research Analysts: 30%
  3. Mathematicians: 21%
  4. Actuaries: 18%

What’s important to note on the BLS OOH occupational profile pages is not just the percentage job growth but also the actual estimated job growth numbers. The OOH profile pages also show more detail about which industries hire for a given occupation.

If you are interested in a career in mathematics, statistics or closely-related fields, this rankings list of relevant bachelor’s degrees may help you find a suitable college/ university. This list continues our series of “Affordable Schools” for various bachelor’s degree programs. A summary of available data follows the Notes section, preceding the actual list of ranked schools.

If you prefer to complete your degree online, please visit our Online Degree Guide for Math and Statistics for a summary of all academic programs (certificate, diploma, associate’s degree, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral) in these topics at each of 60 colleges offering such programs.

NOTES:

  • As accreditation can change or only be valid regionally, please verify accreditation of any college to which you are planning to apply.
  • See the “Methodology” section of the ranking list article 15 of the Most Affordable Bachelor’s Degrees in Marketing for an explanation of the process we use to rank colleges in each list.
  • NCES data is subject to change and some of these “affordable degrees” guides may use more recent data than described in the Methodology.
  • For the full list of programs covered to date, please check our School Rankings page.

Statistics Summary

This is a summary of data available for the colleges/ universities mentioned in this college rankings list for bachelor’s of Mathematics, Statistics or related degree programs.

Yearly net price range: $1,640 – $5,856 (avg. for all students per school after discounts/ financial aid)
In-state tuition range: $2,764 – $7,259
Out-of-state tuition range: $5,920 – $18,389
Lowest in-state: Indian River State College
Lowest out-of-state: Hobe Sound Bible College
Graduation rate range: 29-69%
Transfer-out rate range: 2-39% (three schools did not report)
Highest graduation rate: Hobe Sound Bible College
Lowest transfer-out rate: Four of five Calstate schools are at 2%, except Calstate Fullerton at 3%
Student population range: 251-38,128
Undergrad population range: 251-32,726
Largest # students: Calstate Fullerton
Largest # undergrad: Calstate Fullerton
Oldest school: Elizabeth City State University (est. 1891)
Youngest school: University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (est. 2013, with roots to 1925)
# states covered: 5
States covered: California (5), Florida (4), New York (2), North Carolina, Texas (3)

Alphabetic list of schools covered in this ranking:

The following college names (leftmost column) are based on NCES data. Tuition and net price data columns have been added for convenience in comparing multiple colleges.


Name and aliases location in-state tuition out-of-state net price
California State University-Bakersfield, aka Calstate Bakersfield Bakersfield, California $6,792 $17,952 $5,690
California State University-Dominguez Hills, aka Calstate Dominguez Hills Carson, California $6,139 $17,299 $1,640
California State University-Fresno, aka Calstate Fresno Fresno, California $6,299 $17,459 $5,599
California State University-Fullerton, aka Calstate Fullerton Fullerton, California $6,315 $17,475 $5,542
California State University-Los Angeles, aka Calstate Los Angeles Los Angeles, California $6,348 $17,508 $2,735
Chipola College Marianna, Florida $3,120 $8,950 $4,418
CUNY Lehman College, aka Lehman College Bronx, New York $6,408 $13,218 $2,327
CUNY York College, aka York College Jamaica, New York $6,396 $13,206 $5,856
Daytona State College Daytona Beach, Florida $3,306 $12,376 $5,064
Elizabeth City State University Elizabeth City, North Carolina $4,498 $16,173 $2,490
Hobe Sound Bible College Hobe Sound, Florida $5,920 $5,920 $4,607
Indian River State College Fort Pierce, Florida $2,764 $10,201 $1,807
Texas A & M International University Laredo, Texas $6,453 $15,129 $4,639
University of Texas at El Paso El Paso, Texas $7,259 $18,389 $5,607
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Edinburg, Texas $5,173 $14,023 $3,006

The following chart shows in-state and out-of-state tuition for each of the 15 ranked colleges in this list. The bottom end of each blue bar represents the in-state tuition, and the top represents the tuition for out-of-state students. The schools are ordered left to right by rank 1-15, and numeric values represent dollars in tuition. In the case of HSBC (Hobe Sound Bible College), tuition is the same for all students, hence there being no significant height for its blue bar in the chart. Overall, this chart gives a quick overview of the price difference for in-state and out-of-state students.

Map for schools covered

Note: the following Google Map is auto-generated from addresses listed in the NCES database for the schools referenced below and may not be 100% accurate. As well, the map may not render correctly in some Web browsers due to security issues. (Simply click on the map’s “view larger” icon at top right to be taken to the Google Maps page — which should work properly in all modern browsers.) We apologize for any inconvenience.

15: CUNY York College

York College CUNY; nearby Jamaica Avenue (source)

York College is a public, senior college established in 1966 as part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system. York is located in Jamaica, Queens, NY (the Jamaica neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City, NY), about five miles north of John F. Kennedy International Airport.

York offers five Mathematics-/ Statistics-related Bachelor’s programs and one minor. The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mathematics and Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Mathematics both prepare students for graduate study and careers in academics or research; or more immediate careers in education, government, or industry. Both require 120 credits, with 33 for the major, including 21 for core courses (feat. Analytic Geometry and Calculus; Linear Algebra; and a Seminar in Contemporary Mathematics). The other 12 credits are for one of five chosen areas of study: (i) Actuarial Math and Operations Research; (ii) Applied Math; (iii) Computing; (iv) General Math; and (v) Math Education. The difference between the BA and BS is in the additional Liberal Arts courses the BA requires, which mean students can focus more acutely on a non-math career path. Those interested in becoming math teachers also have three other 120-credit options: the BA in Mathematics Childhood Education; BA in Mathematics Education/ Middle School Extension; and BS in Mathematics Education 7-12. Finally, York also has a 16-credit Minor in Mathematics.

  • Graduation rate: 29%.
  • Transfer-out rate: 39%.
  • In-state tuition: $6,396.
  • Out-of-state tuition: $13,206.
  • Yearly average net price: $5,856.
  • Student population: 8493.
  • # undergraduates: 8438.
  • Campus setting: City: Large.
  • Campus housing avail.: No.
  • Areavibes.com cost of living score: F.

14: California State University-Bakersfield

Walter Stiern Library, California State University, Bakersfield (source)

California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) is a public university established in 1965 as California State College, Bakersfield. It is part of the California State University system and its main campus is in Bakersfield, California, about 115 miles northwest of Los Angeles, CA.

CSUB offers one Mathematics-/ Statistics-related Bachelor’s program and two minors (PDF). The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mathematics prepares students for graduate study and/ or a variety of careers, including becoming actuaries, mathematicians, statisticians, or teachers. The BS requires 120 units, with 12 for a required minor and 24 for the core curriculum (incl. courses in Mathematical Foundations and Probability Theory). The BS’s four concentrations require 29-32 units (incl. a Senior Seminar). The Applied Math Concentration includes courses in Numerical Analysis and Ordinary Differential Equations. The Pure Math Concentration includes such options as Complex Variables and Euclidean Geometry. The Stats Concentration includes Applied Statistical Computing and Multivariate Methods and Mathematical Statistics. The Teaching Concentration includes Discrete Mathematical Modeling and Modern Mathematics for Teachers (please check with the school on the new requirements for the companion Single Subject Credential). Finally, CSUB also has two 16-unit minors: one in Applied Statistics, one in Mathematics.

  • Graduation rate: 41%.
  • Transfer-out rate: 2%.
  • In-state tuition: $6,792.
  • Out-of-state tuition: $17,952.
  • Yearly average net price: $5,690.
  • Student population: 8720.
  • # undergraduates: 7635.
  • Campus setting: City: Large.
  • Campus housing avail.: Yes.
  • Areavibes.com cost of living score: C.

13: University of Texas at El Paso

University of Texas at El Paso (source)

The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is a public university that was established in 1914 as the Texas State School of Mines and Metallurgy. Today UTEP is part of the University of Texas System and is located in El Paso, Texas, some 550 miles northwest of San Antonio, TX, and about 270 miles south of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

UTEP offers one Mathematics-/ Statistics-related Bachelor’s program, two dual-credit options, and two minors. UTEP’s Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mathematics prepares students for a variety of careers (some requiring additional study), including becoming an actuary, biologist, computer programmer, engineer, mathematician, physicist, researcher, statistician, or teacher. The BS requires 120 credit-hours (approx. 40-41 courses), with about 40-46 for one of six chosen concentrations: (i) Actuarial Science; (ii) Applied Math; (iii) Mathematics; (iv) Math with Secondary Education; (v) Math and Physics with Secondary Education; and (vi) Statistics. The two teaching options, (iv) and (v), also require 21 hours for a Minor in Secondary Education (incl. a full-time Student Teaching in Secondary School internship). Qualified students can enter UTEP’s Fast Track Program and count graduate courses toward both the BS and an MS (Master of Science) in Mathematics or Statistics. Finally, students in other majors can study Math or Stats via UTEP’s two 18-hour minors: one in Mathematics, one in Statistics.

  • Graduation rate: 38%.
  • Transfer-out rate: 31%.
  • In-state tuition: $7,259.
  • Out-of-state tuition: $18,389.
  • Yearly average net price: $5,607.
  • Student population: 23079.
  • # undergraduates: 19817.
  • Campus setting: City: Large.
  • Campus housing avail.: Yes.
  • Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.

12: California State University-Fresno

Henry Madden Library, CSU Fresno (source)

California State University, Fresno (Fresno State) is a public, comprehensive university established in 1911 as Fresno State Normal School. It is part of the California State University system and is located in Fresno, California, about 190 miles southeast of San Francisco, CA, and 230 miles northwest of Los Angeles, CA.

Fresno State offers one Mathematics-/ Statistics-related Bachelor’s program, three teaching options, and one minor. The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mathematics prepares students for graduate studies leading to careers in academics or research — or career opportunities (some requiring additional study) with biotech firms, financial organizations, government agencies, healthcare organizations, insurance companies, or software developers. The BA requires 120 units (approx. 38 courses), with 30-31 for the core curriculum (incl. courses in Applied Complex Analysis; Differential Geometry; and Intermediate Mathematical Analysis). Another 12-16 units are for career-focused, upper-division electives (incl. Applied Complex Analysis; Applied Probability; Symbolic Logic; or a Senior Project). Fresno’s other options are its: Mathematics Teaching program, Applied Math, General Math, Integrated Credential, and Statistics (Please check with the school for availability and requirements for each teaching option.) Finally, Fresno also offers its 20-unit Mathematics Minor.

  • Graduation rate: 52%.
  • Transfer-out rate: 2%.
  • In-state tuition: $6,299.
  • Out-of-state tuition: $17,459.
  • Yearly average net price: $5,599.
  • Student population: 23179.
  • # undergraduates: 20511.
  • Campus setting: City: Large.
  • Campus housing avail.: Yes.
  • Areavibes.com cost of living score: C.

11: California State University-Fullerton

Calstate Fullerton walkway (source)

California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) is a public, comprehensive university established in 1957 as Orange County State College. It is part of the California State University system and its main campus is in Fullerton, California, some 30 miles southeast of Los Angeles, CA.

CSUF offers one Mathematics/ Statistics related Bachelor’s program, two additional teaching options, and three minors. Its Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Mathematics allows for career options (some requiring additional study) with a multitude of organizations, including aerospace companies, biotech companies, commercial banks, engineering firms, government agencies, insurance companies, intelligence agencies, research labs, or tech companies. The BA requires 120 units (approx. 37-40 courses), with 25 for core math courses and 21-23 for one of four concentrations: (i) Applied Math (with tracks in Classical Applied Math or Modeling and Computational Applied Math); (ii) Probability and Statistics; (iii) Pure Math; or (iv) Teaching Math. Finally, CSUF also has five other programs. Three are minors: a 25-unit Mathematics Minor and two Mathematics for Teacher Education Minors (20 units for Elementary Education and 22 units for Secondary Education). The other two are teaching options: a Single Subject Credential in Math and a Subject Matter Preparation Program in Math (please check with CSUF for full requirements).

  • Graduation rate: 56%.
  • Transfer-out rate: 3%.
  • In-state tuition: $6,315.
  • Out-of-state tuition: $17,475.
  • Yearly average net price: $5,542.
  • Student population: 38128.
  • # undergraduates: 32726.
  • Campus setting: Suburb: Large.
  • Campus housing avail.: Yes.
  • Areavibes.com cost of living score: F.

10: Daytona State College

Daytona State College (source)

Daytona State College (DSC) is a comprehensive public college that was established in 1957 as Daytona Beach Junior College. It is part of the Florida College System and is located in Daytona Beach, Florida, some 55 miles northeast of Orlando, FL, and about 95 miles southeast of Jacksonville, FL.

DSC offers one Mathematics-/ Statistics-related Bachelor’s program — its Bachelor of Science (BS) in Secondary Mathematics Education. This BS prepares students to obtain the Florida Professional Educator’s Certificate, leading to careers as middle school or high school math teachers (grades 6-12). The BS requires 120 semester-hours (approx. 41 courses), including 60 from a suitable Associate of Arts (AA) degree (PDF) from DSC or another appropriate institution. The BS curriculum accounts for the other 60 hours, covering primarily mathematics, statistics, and teaching-/ education-related courses. The math and stats courses account for about 24 hours (incl. courses in Abstract Algebra; Elementary Statistics; Modern Geometry; and Number Theory). The teaching-/ education-related courses, meanwhile, account for the remaining 36 hours (incl. courses in Child/ Adolescent Development and Learning; Integrating Technology into Math and Science; Professional Teaching Practices; Teaching Exceptional Students in Secondary Schools; and a full-time Student Internship teaching placement).

  • Graduation rate: 36%.
  • Transfer-out rate: 8%.
  • In-state tuition: $3,306.
  • Out-of-state tuition: $12,376.
  • Yearly average net price: $5,064.
  • Student population: 13248.
  • # undergraduates: 13248.
  • Campus setting: City: Small.
  • Campus housing avail.: No.
  • Areavibes.com cost of living score: A.

9: Texas A & M International University

Water fountain, Texas A&M International University (source)

Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) is a public university established in 1969 as Texas A&I University at Laredo. TAMIU is part of the Texas A&M University System and is located in Laredo, Texas, about 155 miles southwest of San Antonio, TX.

TAMIU offers four Mathematics-/ Statistics-related Bachelor’s programs and one minor. Its Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mathematics is primarily for students pursuing graduate studies and careers as applied or pure mathematicians in academics or research. The BS requires at least 120 credit-hours (approx. 43 courses), with 18 for a recommended minor and 52 for the major (incl. such course options as Complex Variables; Discrete Mathematics; Numerical Linear Algebra; Undergraduate Research in Math; and an Internship in Math). Students particularly focused on careers that use math as a foundation (incl. astronomer, biologist, database developer, economist, insurance underwriter, investment analyst, lawyer, market researcher, psychologist, sociologist, or stockbroker) have TAMIU’s 120-hour Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Mathematics. Qualified students can combine the BS or BA with an MS and take graduate courses in their senior year. Those who want to become math teachers have TAMIU’s 120-hour BA in Mathematics with Grades 7-12 Certification. Finally, TAMIU also has a 24-hour Minor in Mathematics.

  • Graduation rate: 45%.
  • Transfer-out rate: n/a.
  • In-state tuition: $6,453.
  • Out-of-state tuition: $15,129.
  • Yearly average net price: $4,639.
  • Student population: 7554.
  • # undergraduates: 6741.
  • Campus setting: City: Midsize.
  • Campus housing avail.: Yes.
  • Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.

8: Hobe Sound Bible College

A “bubble house” near Hobe Sound Bible College (source)

Hobe Sound Bible College (HSBC) is a private, not-for-profit, Christian college that was established in 1960 as Hobe Sound Bible Institute. HSBC is located in Hobe Sound, Florida, on South Florida’s Atlantic coast, about 100 miles north of Miami, FL.

HSBC offers one main Mathematics-/ Statistics-related Bachelor’s program — its Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Secondary Math Education (PDF, p.73-76). This BA prepares students to become Christian math teachers for grades 7-12 (i.e., middle school to high school educators who teach mathematics with a “Christian world-view”). The BA requires 130 hours (approx. 51 courses), with 30 for the Bible core and 45 for General Education courses. The professional education core accounts for another 25 hours, and the remaining 30 hours are for the math major itself (incl. courses in Abstract Algebra; Calculus; Modern Geometry; Number Theory; Probability and Statistics; and Trigonometry).

  • Graduation rate: 69%.
  • Transfer-out rate: n/a.
  • In-state tuition: $5,920.
  • Out-of-state tuition: $5,920.
  • Yearly average net price: $4,607.
  • Student population: 251.
  • # undergraduates: 251.
  • Campus setting: Suburb: Large.
  • Campus housing avail.: Yes.
  • Areavibes.com cost of living score: B.

7: Chipola College

Jackson County Courthouse in Marianna, Florida (source)

Chipola College is a public college established in 1947 as Chipola Junior College. It is part of the Florida College System and is located in Marianna, Florida, some 70 miles northwest of Tallahassee, FL, and about 180 miles roughly east of Mobile, Alabama.

Chipola offers two Mathematics-/ Statistics-related Bachelor’s programs, both of which are teaching-focused. The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Secondary Education Mathematics (6-12) (PDF) prepares students to become math teachers from middle to high school. The BS requires at least 120 semester-hours (approx. 40 courses), with about 60 coming from an appropriate Associate in Arts (AA) degree. The BS portion of study accounts for the other 60 or so hours, covering math and education/ teaching courses (incl. Classroom Management and Communication; Human Development and Learning; Linear Algebra; Number Theory; a full-time Student Teaching in Mathematics internship; and a History of Mathematics capstone). Those who want to become math teachers from late primary to middle school have Chipola’s BS in Middle School Mathematics (5-9) (PDF). This program also requires at least 120 hours, with about 60 from an AA and the other 60 or so from the BS curriculum, which is similar to that of the first BS but with some key course differences (incl. Elements of Algebra; Elements of Geometry; and TESOL Issues and Practices).

  • Graduation rate: 42%.
  • Transfer-out rate: 17%.
  • In-state tuition: $3,120.
  • Out-of-state tuition: $8,950.
  • Yearly average net price: $4,418.
  • Student population: 2080.
  • # undergraduates: 2080.
  • Campus setting: Town: Distant.
  • Campus housing avail.: Yes.
  • Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.

6: University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (source)

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) is a public university established in 2013 through the merger of the University of Texas Pan American and University of Texas at Brownsville. UTRGV, which held its first classes in Fall 2015, is part of the University of Texas System and has multiple locations in the Rio Grande Valley, including one of two main campuses in Edinburg, Texas, about 230 miles south of San Antonio, TX.

UTRGV offers two Mathematics/ Statistics related Bachelor’s programs and five minors. The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mathematics (PDF) prepares students for career options (some requiring additional study) in fields such as engineering, finance, intelligence, physics, security, or technology. The BS requires 120 credit-hours (approx. 40 courses), with 78-81 for the major, including 33 for the Mathematics core (feat. courses in Modern Geometry; Probability and Statistics; Real Analysis; and the capstone-like Mathematics Project). The other 45-48 hours are for one of seven concentrations: Applied Math, Pure Math, Economics, Science and Engineering, Statistics, Middle School, or Secondary School. (Both teaching options have a UTeach Certification.) UTRGV’s other math teaching option is its 120-hour Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) in Middle School Mathematics with a UTeach Certification (PDF). Finally, UTRGV also has five 23-27 hour Math/ Stats related minors: Applied Mathematics, Middle School Mathematics, Pure Mathematics, Secondary School Mathematics, and Statistics.

  • Graduation rate: 43%.
  • Transfer-out rate: n/a.
  • In-state tuition: $5,173.
  • Out-of-state tuition: $14,023.
  • Yearly average net price: $3,006.
  • Student population: 21015.
  • # undergraduates: 17858.
  • Campus setting: City: Small.
  • Campus housing avail.: Yes.
  • Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.

5: California State University-Los Angeles

California State University-Los Angeles (source)

California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA) is a public, comprehensive university established in 1947 as Los Angeles State College. It is part of the California State University system and its main campus is in Los Angeles, California, about 5 miles roughly east of the city’s downtown core.

CSULA offers one Mathematics-/ Statistics-related Bachelor’s program, two additional teaching options, and one minor. The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mathematics prepares students for a variety of careers (some requiring additional study), including becoming an accountant, banker, biomedical engineer, data analyst, financial analyst, professor, or research assistant. The BS requires 120-135 units (approx. 38 to 43 courses), with 81-105 for the chosen option, including 40 for such core courses as Calculus, Differential Equations, and Introduction to Linear Algebra. The Applied Math and General Math Options both require 41 units. The Integrated Teaching Option (ITO) and Traditional Teaching Option require 65 and 41 units, respectively. Students in other majors who want to become math teachers have CSULA’s 53-unit Subject Matter Waiver Program for Single Subject Credential in Math or its 36-unit Subject Matter Waiver Program for Foundational Level Credential. (All teaching options, except the ITO, also require a teaching credential). Finally, CSULA also has its 23-24 unit Mathematics Minor.

  • Graduation rate: 41%.
  • Transfer-out rate: 2%.
  • In-state tuition: $6,348.
  • Out-of-state tuition: $17,508.
  • Yearly average net price: $2,735.
  • Student population: 24488.
  • # undergraduates: 20681.
  • Campus setting: City: Large.
  • Campus housing avail.: Yes.
  • Areavibes.com cost of living score: F.

4: Elizabeth City State University

Elizabeth City State University (source)

Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) is a public HBCU (Historically Black College/ University) established in 1891. ECSU is part of the University of North Carolina system and is located in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, about 170 miles east and slightly north of Raleigh, NC; and some 55 miles south and slightly west of Virginia Beach, Virginia.

ECSU offers two Mathematics-/ Statistics-related Bachelor’s programs, a second teaching option, and one minor. The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mathematics prepares students for a variety of careers (some requiring additional study). These include becoming an accountant, actuary, astronomer, biologist, computer systems analyst, economist, engineer, mathematician, physicist, software engineer, statistician, or teacher. The BS requires about 124 semester-hours (approx. 44 courses), with 50 for the major, including 38 for core requirements (feat. courses in Abstract Algebra; Advanced Calculus; Elements of Real Analysis; and a Senior Exit Seminar). The other 12 hours are for discipline area electives (incl. such options as Complex Variables; Discrete Methods; Number Theory; and an Internship option). For those who want to teach, a Minor in Secondary Education can be added to the BS (please check with the school on availability). Or, students can take the 127-128 hour BS in Education in Middle Grades (6-9) Mathematics. Finally, ECSU also has one other program option, its 19-hour Minor in Mathematics.

  • Graduation rate: 39%.
  • Transfer-out rate: 17%.
  • In-state tuition: $4,498.
  • Out-of-state tuition: $16,173.
  • Yearly average net price: $2,490.
  • Student population: 1867.
  • # undergraduates: 1805.
  • Campus setting: Town: Distant.
  • Campus housing avail.: Yes.
  • Areavibes.com cost of living score: C.

3: CUNY Lehman College

Lehman College Plaza and Music Building (source)

Lehman College is a public college that was established in 1967 and is located in the Bronx, New York. It started as part of Hunter College in 1931, joining the City University of New York (CUNY) system in 1967. It is named after former governor Herbert H. Lehman, who was also a senator and philanthropist. On the budget scale for this college rankings list, Lehman is the 3rd most affordable school in terms of yearly average net price.

Lehman offers one Mathematics-/ Statistics-related Bachelor’s program, one teaching option, and one minor. Its Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Mathematics prepares students for graduate studies and/ or a wide variety of careers in business, education, government, industry, or non-profits (which value a math graduate’s logic, reasoning, and problem-solving abilities). The BA requires 120 credits (approx. 36-39 courses), with 43-47 for the major (incl. such course options as Algebra and Number Systems; Axiomatic Geometry; Game Theory and Linear Programming; Ordinary Differential Equations; and Set Theory). Those who want to teach middle or secondary school can combine the BA with Lehman’s Middle and High School Education (MHSE) Teacher Certification. This consists of a 12-13 credit MHSE Minor and a 13-16 credit Certification Sequence (incl. a full-time Student Teaching in the Middle and High School Grades placement). Finally, Lehman’s two other Mathematics-/ Statistics-related options are its 120-credit BA in Economics and Mathematics (previously covered) and 12-credit Minor in Mathematics.

  • Graduation rate: 37%.
  • Transfer-out rate: 27%.
  • In-state tuition: $6,408.
  • Out-of-state tuition: $13,218.
  • Yearly average net price: $2,327.
  • Student population: 12398.
  • # undergraduates: 10326.
  • Campus setting: City: Large.
  • Campus housing avail.: Yes.
  • Areavibes.com cost of living score: F.

2: Indian River State College

Fort Pierce Inlet, Florida (source)

Indian River State College (IRSC) is a public college established in 1959 as Indian River Junior College. IRSC’s main campus is in Fort Pierce, Florida, about 120 miles southeast of Orlando, FL, and 125 miles north of Miami, FL. It is the second most-affordable, in terms of net price, on our list of economical bachelor’s of mathematics, statistics or related degrees.

IRSC offers two Mathematics/ Statistics related Bachelor’s programs, both of which are teaching options. The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Middle Grades Mathematics prepares students to become middle school math teachers. This BS requires 120 credits (approx. 38 courses), with about 60 transferred from an Associate in Arts (AA) degree (incl. from IRSC’s own AA – Mathematics Track). The other 60 credits are within the BS itself and cover mainly math and teaching/ education courses (incl. Classroom Management and Communication; Elements of Geometry; Human Development and Learning; Instructional Strategies; Middle School/ Secondary School Mathematics Methods; a Seminar in Mathematics Education; a full-time Student Teaching in Mathematics internship; and a History of Mathematics capstone). For those who want to become high school math teachers, IRSC has its 120-credit BS in Secondary Mathematics Education. It has largely the same requirements and curriculum as the other teaching program, but with a few different upper-level math courses (incl. Applied Linear Algebra; Number Theory; and Sets and Logic).

  • Graduation rate: 39%.
  • Transfer-out rate: 11%.
  • In-state tuition: $2,764.
  • Out-of-state tuition: $10,201.
  • Yearly average net price: $1,807.
  • Student population: 17665.
  • # undergraduates: 17665.
  • Campus setting: Suburb: Large.
  • Campus housing avail.: No.
  • Areavibes.com cost of living score: A.

1: California State University-Dominguez Hills

Library, California State University-Dominguez Hills

California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) is a public university established in 1960 as South Bay State College. It is part of the California State University system and is located in Carson, California, less than 20 miles south of Los Angeles, CA. It tops our list of the most inexpensive college offering bachelor’s degrees in math, statistics or related topics, in terms of net price.

CSUDH has one Mathematics-/ Statistics-related Bachelor’s program, a secondary teaching option, and one minor. The main program, the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mathematics, prepares students for advanced math/ science degrees and careers as researchers. Students can also pursue a variety of other careers (some requiring additional study), including becoming an actuary, business executive, computer programmer, data analyst, economist, risk management expert, software designer, stock market analyst, or teacher. The BS requires 120-132 units (approx. 37-40 courses), with 59-63 for the Mathematics Option (incl. such course options as Abstract Algebra; Cryptography; Differential Equations; and Numerical Analysis). The Mathematics Education Option, meanwhile, requires 68 units — and would be combined with a 39-50 unit Single Subject Credential (SSC). Or, the SSC can be combined with the 32-unit Introductory Mathematics Subject Matter Authorization. (Please check with the school for more details on each teaching option). Finally, for students in other majors, CSUDH has a 27-unit Minor in Mathematics.

  • Graduation rate: 32%.
  • Transfer-out rate: 2%.
  • In-state tuition: $6,139.
  • Out-of-state tuition: $17,299.
  • Yearly average net price: $1,640.
  • Student population: 14687.
  • # undergraduates: 12682.
  • Campus setting: City: Small.
  • Campus housing avail.: Yes.
  • Areavibes.com cost of living score: F.


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