The cheapest online master's in mathematics programs offer a flexible route to advanced mathematical training in areas like applied math, statistics, and computational methods. These affordable online master's degrees support career growth in education, research, data science, and industry roles.
Key Takeaways:
- Nicholls State University ranks #1 for affordability, offering an online master’s in mathematics for just $3,908.
- The University of Missouri ranks #12 for cost but leads in student outcomes, with a 75% graduation rate, 89% retention rate, and 99% recommendation rate based on student surveys we collected.
We only include accredited colleges offering fully online master's in mathematics programs. Our methodology emphasizes manually verified tuition rates.
2025 Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Mathematics
| Rank | School | Location | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nicholls State University | Thibodaux (LA) | $3,908 | |
| Western Illinois University | Macomb (IL) | $5,792 | |
| Liberty University | Lynchburg (VA) | $5,976 | |
| Central Methodist University | Fayette (MO) | $6,240 | |
| Emporia State University | Emporia (KS) | $7,304 | |
| Indiana University - Kokomo | Kokomo (IN) | $7,587 | |
| Indiana University - Northwest | Gary (IN) | $7,587 | |
| Indiana University - Southeast | New Albany (IN) | $7,587 | |
| Indiana University - East | Richmond (IN) | $7,587 | |
| Western Governors University | Salt Lake City (UT) | $8,250 | |
| University of North Alabama | Florence (AL) | $8,325 | |
| University of Missouri | Columbia (MO) | $8,427 | |
| Regent University Online | Virginia Beach (VA) | $8,475 | |
| University of Idaho | Moscow (ID) | $9,015 | |
| Shawnee State University | Portsmouth (OH) | $9,222 |
Overview of an Online Master's in Mathematics
With as many as , mathematics is an extremely broad field. A master's in this discipline focuses on the study of applied, computational, and theoretical mathematics. In turn, graduates can either pursue careers as professional mathematicians and statisticians, or enroll in a doctoral graduate program in mathematics.
Distance education is becoming increasingly common, making it easier for students to pursue a master's of science in mathematics online. An online degree program allows students to pace their learning and complete courses according to their own schedule. Many universities and schools offer online master's degrees in mathematics. These programs are typically 30-36 credit hours and are designed to be completed in two years of full-time study. Part-time students, however, tend to take longer to finish.
Common Master's in Mathematics Courses
Students pursuing a master's degree in mathematics, whether online or on campus, study both applied and theoretical concepts, including algebra, topology, statistics, and calculus. Electives often cover STEM areas like computer science, engineering, and physics. Programs typically offer a choice between a thesis track, involving a research project, and a non-thesis track, which includes final examinations. Specializations may include interdisciplinary fields like biomathematics or areas such as mathematical education, actuarial mathematics, and probability.
Below are some of the courses commonly found in master's-level mathematics programs:
Applied Mathematics
This class covers various uses for math in different professional fields, such as physics, finance, engineering, and medicine. Faculty discuss the models and methods appropriate for each field. Topics can include computational tools, the effects of random processes, and the use of statistics.
Cryptography and Cryptanalysis
Students learn how numbers can be used to encode and decode information. Key topics include ciphers, key exchange, number fields, and cryptosystems. Most sections require students to decode examples of various ciphers and also create ciphers of their own.
Differential Equations
Faculty illuminate how differential equations can model system behavior. Students learn the differences between ordinary and partial differential equations and initial- and boundary-value problems. Some applications may be taught, though in less detail than in an Applied Mathematics course.
Foundations of Advanced Mathematics
This is an introductory course that covers the basic principles of several mathematical subdisciplines. Lessons may touch on abstract and linear algebra, elementary number theory, logic, and functions. Most higher-level courses will require this as a prerequisite.
Topics in Algebra
This course introduces graduate-level algebra concepts. These include group theory, field theory, and commutative and noncommutative algebra. Depending on the length of the course, faculty may discuss more advanced topics such as infinite fields and vector spaces.
Funding an Online Master's in Mathematics
Tuition rates for an online mathematics master's can vary significantly. The most affordable math degree on our list costs $5,765 annually. In comparison, the average in-state tuition cost of a master's degree is , according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
Online master's students in mathematics have a number of available financial aid opportunities. The best options are funds that students don't need to repay, such as grants, scholarships, and work-study opportunities. Online students can also apply for loans, preferably low-interest federal or state loans. Prospective students should check with each school's financial aid office to find out which aid programs the school participates in.
Most students start by filling out the (FAFSA), which is used to determine financial need and eligibility for aid. Students with undocumented immigration status may be able to complete a state-specific aid application because they may not be eligible for federal aid. These applicants should check the website for financial aid programs in the state where they want to enroll.
Many colleges and private donors provide endowed scholarships and grants to mathematics students in an effort to increase nationwide math literacy. There are a number of general programs as well as opportunities for women and groups historically underrepresented in STEM fields. Below are a couple of the scholarships available to students pursuing a master's in math:
: The association awards amounts of $2,000-$12,000 to help women fund their master's degrees.
: This award covers up to $12,000 in tuition and fees and grants a $34,000 living stipend to students pursuing original STEM research.
Careers for Graduates with a Master's in Mathematics
A master's in mathematics equips students with valuable quantitative, reasoning, and problem-solving skills, opening up careers in various industries, including business, research, education, and technology. Specializing in areas such as mathematical computer science can lead to specific opportunities in information technology and research. While a bachelor's degree suffices for some roles, a master's is often required to work as a professional mathematician in business, healthcare, and government. Below is a list of careers for graduates with a master's in mathematics:
Actuaries
analyze risk to help businesses minimize their financial costs. They typically work in insurance, but also evaluate sources of uncertainty in other sectors such as government.
Biostatisticians
collect and analyze biological data. They collaborate with other data scientists to draw general conclusions about living things, and their work is often important in developing new drugs or cures.
High school math teachers
cover a critical component of K-12 education. They introduce students to foundational mathematical subjects, such as algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus. High school math teachers need a minimum of a bachelor's degree, and all states require licensure or certification to work at public schools.
Mathematicians
need a master's degree and work in many different industries. They use statistical concepts and software to solve problems for businesses and clients. They also communicate research findings to nontechnical audiences.
Survey researchers
use opinion polls, interviews, and other data collection techniques to discover what people think about a variety of topics. Their work can range from conducting polls during an election year, to understanding why people prefer a particular consumer product.
Is an Online Master's in Mathematics Worth it?
Whether a master's in math is worth it will depend on your career goals, previous experience, personal interests, finances, and other responsibilities. A master's degree in math can open the door to any number of highly paid jobs in finance, business, and technology. It may help to consider some of the following pros and cons of pursuing your mathematics degree online:
Potential Advantages
-
Graduates with a master's degree in math have high earning potential. for these positions range from $83,640 to $120,000, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). While a master's degree is not required for most entry-level roles in these fields, it can qualify you for higher salaries and advanced positions.
-
Math majors learn skills that are applicable for a variety of different careers. People who earn their master's in math also go on to become data scientists, software engineers, data analysts, and mathematics teachers. Depending on your previous education, experience, and career goals, a master's degree in math may help you secure one of these positions.
-
Online master's programs offer a range of conveniences and greater flexibility. Online courses are often more affordable than campus-based programs and can be well-suited for students who need to fit classes around a busy schedule or prefer to work independently.
Potential Disadvantages
-
Learning remotely isn't for everyone. To be successful, distance learners should be self-disciplined, able to manage their time effectively, and have the technical skills needed to operate in a remote environment.
-
There may be a more relevant master's degree that will help you better reach your professional goals. For instance, if you hope to teach mathematics, a master's of education with a concentration in this field is a better option. Alternatively, if you're interested in working with data or in a business area such as marketing - but still want an understanding of mathematical concepts - a master's in applied statistics may be a better choice for a degree.
-
The specialized nature of the coursework can be challenging and may require a substantial commitment to succeed, which could be a drawback for those who need to balance other responsibilities such as work or family.
Determining whether an online master's in mathematics is worth it depends on individual circumstances such as career goals, previous experience, personal interests, and financial situation. While the degree can lead to high-paying jobs and advanced positions in finance, business, and technology, it requires self-discipline and effective time management skills to succeed in a remote learning environment. Additionally, prospective students should consider whether a more specialized degree might better align with their professional aspirations, as alternative programs like a master's in education or applied statistics might be more relevant for certain career paths.
Explore out list of the most affordable online colleges and degrees for more options.
Student Reviews of Online Mathematics Programs
I highly recommend this online mathematics graduate program at Emporia State University. The professors are engaged in your learning and respond to your emails. Some professors teach hybrid classes, others simply have weekly online video chats, and others create tutorial PDFs that lead you through learning. What they have in common is that they are good at teaching math.
Review Date: 5/12/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
My graduate program has allowed me the flexibility to take courses in order to fulfill the requirements but stay within my interest area. In addition, classes during the school year are offered online, and in the summer we come to campus.
Review Date: 4/10/2015
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
The University of the Cumberlands is a great school that offers an outstanding education. Their classes are great for anyone working a full time job and wanting to continue their education. In this, they offer a wide variety of online classes aimed to fit your schedule.
Review Date: 3/3/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Pros: All online Very prestigious Applied curriculum Affordable Cons: Few financial aid options
Review Date: 12/29/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Some professors are exactly my style, and others are not. But they all push you to do very well. The distance aspect of the distance program is done perfectly. It feels like you are in a classroom watching a lecture, and you can even participate and ask questions. In fact, it is expected that you do so:)
Review Date: 4/23/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I can only speak for the curriculum as I was a 100% online student. Courses were fairly difficult, as they should be, but not being able to talk to my fellow peers and professors in person made it a bit harder than if I were in person.
Review Date: 9/1/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I am a strictly-online student, and the program so far seems to be better than any of the other online programs I had been looking into. Faculty and staff are readily available to answer questions, and the online format is fairly intuitive. The only thing that I could possibly complain about is the fact that the student must find a test proctor each semester to administer exams. Granted, this is to maintain academic integrity of the program, but it is mildly stressful to find this resource at times.... Read More
Review Date: 2/18/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Northwestern offers a great opportunity for any graduate students looking to continue working a full time job while studying. Between offering both recorded session videos and live web streams, the content is highly accessible, and can easily tailor to any student's busy schedule. Having office hours similar to an on-site program is extremely helpful and Northwestern's School of Professional Studies offers the student every opportunity to be successful, not only in the program, but after graduation... Read More
Review Date: 2/25/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
My graduate program is great because during the school year it is completely online and during the summer we go to campus. I was also pleased that I was able to take some of my classes through the Adult & Higher Education Department because I teach at the College level which is different from most of my peers in the program. The only drawback is the cost in the summer is steep and I don't get any tuition assistance from MSU even though I work .85 FTE during the school year.
Review Date: 2/1/2016
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I was leery of any graduate math program - how do you learn math online?? This program has proved me wrong! Emporia has figured out a wonderful system for online learning of mathematics using a combination of video, office hours, notes, and message boards. Professors are very supportive and available. The tuition was the most reasonable for an accredited degree. The work load can be difficult but on par with graduate level work. The available courses cover a wide range of topics. I highly recommend... Read More
Review Date: 3/18/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I am pursuing my master's degree in mathematics at WKU. I have been pleased with the quality of the rigor of the material that I am learning. I no longer have concern with an online degree in Mathematics. The faculty are more accessible than I could ever ask. I will be proud of the degree I will have earned.
Review Date: 3/17/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I have loved pretty much every aspect of Texas A&M. The course load is challenging, but the education you receive is absolutely worth the difficulty. My program is a completely online masters program in mathematics, so I expected less of a connection with professors before I began. However they are always very easy to communicate with and (since I am living in town) I can even pop in on their office hours if need be. This has been the perfect option for me as I teach full time while taking classes.... Read More
Review Date: 5/25/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I have really enjoyed my classes so far. Its tough, but doable. I am currently working full time, so the flexibility has been great. Its hard not being in the same city as the school.
Review Date: 4/25/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Western Governors University worked out perfect for me. All courses are online and you work at your own pace. There are student advisers as well as course advisers. The student adviser helps you stay on track. The course advisers are there if you need assistance with a specific class. I took almost two and a half years to finish my Masters in Math Education, but there were people at graduation who finished in a year or year and a half. It's all up to you. You can qualify for financial aid and that... Read More
Review Date: 5/22/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The graduate degree in applied math online at the university of washington is excellent. The staff and faculty is always ready to answer questions and help with whatever I need. No cons at this point in my work.
Review Date: 8/8/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Pros- fully online, but uses blackboard collaborate, so you feel you are in a classroom. Cons- online classes sometimes make it harder to communicate.
Review Date: 2/9/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I've been to several colleges in my acedemic career. The people at Texas A&M regularly went above and beyond to help me succeed. Sometimes professors get so caught up in their research, they forget about students. As a culture, I didn't feel like this was the case at Texas A&M.
Review Date: 5/22/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I would give WGU 3.5 stars out of 5. I recommend WGU mostly because of price. Many private colleges are not worth the price and other colleges will put professors part time or have graduate students teach you. WGU is a financially sound decision if you accelerate during the program. It can be a double edge sword financially if you fall behind, and take longer to finish your degree.
WGU's Business and IT program has won awards from the US Distance Learning Association. The Education school has not.... Read More
If you choose to study Mathematics Education at WGU there are some pros and cons.
Pro or Con- You will have to teach yourself. WGU will give you a textbook to read and a Math mentor who may point you to useful resources that you will have to self learn.
Con- Doesn't offer a discrete math course
Con- doesn't offer educational psychology class (Needed on some state teacher tests)
Con- You will write math essays that are scrutinized by an examiner meticulously and possibly repeatedly con- There are more effective online learning models than Pearson, which WGU uses. Example: Coursera and edX math classes.
Con- On your course of study guide to learning math, more resources should be provided or should supplement already existing programs. Example abstract algebra is already offered online for free at Harvard. Linear algebra is offered online for free at MIT. WGU should redesign the COS so WGU students could reach the level of learning by Harvard and MIT.
I still recommend WGU for the price, and its other programs.
I wouldn't recommend anyone to being a math teacher nowadays, too much hassle and drama.
Review Date: 3/24/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
It is a great school with knowlegeable professors who are concerned about their students.
Review Date: 5/22/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
NAU is a great college offering a variety of majors. The town of Flagstaff is a beautiful location for a smaller university. It offers smaller classes sizes and teachers that are passionate about their subjects.
Review Date: 1/3/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes