Navigating the World of Numbers: A Guide to the Best Undergraduate Math Programs

For high school students passionate about numbers and problem-solving, pursuing a math major in college is an exciting prospect. Choosing the right undergraduate school is an important part of the process. A degree in math or mathematical science can sharpen your analytical and critical thinking skills and open doors to many career opportunities. Math is the language of the universe, providing the foundation for various disciplines, ranging from physics all the way to economics.

Top Universities for Mathematics

Several universities in the US have top-notch math programs. This guide will explore some of the best math colleges and universities to attend in the United States for undergrad.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Tuition: \$59,750
Why it’s a top school in this field: MIT stands as the epitome of mathematical excellence, consistently topping global rankings. Its Mathematics Department thrives on a culture of intellectual curiosity, fostering groundbreaking research and innovation. The faculty at MIT comprises pioneers in diverse mathematical domains, offering students unparalleled mentorship. With 5 schools, a college, 34 departments, and 44 undergraduate degrees, MIT has plenty to offer the university student.

Harvard University

Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Tuition: \$54,269
Why it’s a top school in this field: Harvard's Mathematics Department is a bastion of academic rigor and collaborative exploration. With a rich history of producing influential mathematicians, Harvard provides a stimulating environment for students to engage with cutting-edge research. There are plenty of classes to choose from at Harvard; they offer almost 3,900 courses in 49 undergraduate fields. The Math Table series each week, gives undergraduates the opportunity to engage with math faculty and gain insights into mathematical research topics. The Putnam Exam team at Harvard regularly achieves top rankings, which prove the strength of the program.

Stanford University

Location: Stanford, California
Tuition: \$56,169
Why it’s a top school in this field: Stanford's Mathematics Department stands at the intersection of theoretical depth and practical application. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary research, encouraging students to use applied mathematics concepts to solve real-world problems. Stanford offers students seven schools under the university, which include Business, Earth Sciences, Education, Engineering, Humanities and Science, Law, and Medicine. Undergraduates must complete at least 180 units. The Stanford University Mathematical Organization (SUMO) is an student group that hosts various activities aimed at fostering a love for math among the broader Stanford student body.

Princeton University

Location: Princeton, New Jersey
Tuition: \$57,410
Why it’s a top school in this field: Princeton's Mathematics Department distinguishes itself with a commitment to fundamental research and individualized mentorship. The program provides students with a unique opportunity to delve deep into various mathematical disciplines while fostering a supportive community. Princeton University has 37 different concentrations for undergraduates. These include humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering.

California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

Location: Pasadena, California
Tuition: \$58,680
Why it’s a top school in this field: Caltech's Mathematics Program, housed within a cutting-edge scientific community, offers students an intimate and collaborative learning experience. With small class sizes, students benefit from close interactions with world-renowned faculty. The department's emphasis on theoretical rigor and its interdisciplinary approach set Caltech apart. The popular choices for majors at Caltech are Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, General, Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering, and Electrical and Electronics Engineering. The Caltech math department emphasizes research opportunities and collaboration for undergraduate students, and many students present their research at various conferences around the country.

University of Chicago

Location: Chicago, Illinois
Tuition: Varies
Why it’s a top school in this field: The undergraduate math program at the University of Chicago provides a strong foundation in core classes and allows for further exploration through electives. UChicago has 51 academic majors available to students in five divisions: Biological Sciences Collegiate Division, the Physical Sciences Collegiate Division, the Social Sciences Collegiate Division, the Humanities Collegiate Division, and the New Collegiate Division. Its affiliation with the group Math Circles of Chicago provides an opportunity for math students to give back to the community, by tutoring 3rd-12th graders in the surrounding area in math.

University of California, Berkeley

Location: Berkeley, California
Tuition: \$15,444 in-state, \$48,018 out-of-state
Why it’s a top school in this field: UC Berkeley's Mathematics Department is a powerhouse of academic excellence with a commitment to diversity and inclusivity. The program's comprehensive curriculum and vibrant research opportunities attract students from diverse backgrounds. The Berkeley Mathematics Undergraduate Student Association offers numerous activities and events for students to engage with their peers and learn from faculty.

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Tuition: \$17,228 in-state, \$58,072 out-of-state
Why it’s a top school in this field: The University of Michigan's Mathematics Program is distinguished by its innovative teaching methods and commitment to fostering inclusivity in STEM fields. With a focus on both theoretical understanding and practical application, the department prepares students for a wide range of career paths.

Other Notable Institutions

Johns Hopkins University: Annually, Johns Hopkins University grants about 175 degrees to those majoring in Cell/Cellular and Molecular Biology, which is the institution’s most popular major.
Cornell University: At Cornell University, the most popular majors students study are Computer Science, Hotel/Motel Administration/Management, and Labor and Industrial Relations.
Dartmouth College: Dartmouth College follows a unique quarter plan, often called the Dartmouth Plan or D Plan.
Tufts University
Duke University: Two schools at Duke University are devoted to undergraduates: Trinity College of Arts and Sciences and Pratt School of Engineering.
University of Maryland-College Park: Every year, the University of Maryland-College Park grants around 859 degrees to students studying Computer Science, which is the institution’s most popular major.
New York University (NYU)
University of Wisconsin-Madison: UW-Madison's Mathematics Department prides itself on a collaborative and inclusive environment that nurtures students' passion for mathematics.
University of Texas, Austin: UT Austin's Mathematics Department is a hub of research and innovation, offering students a dynamic environment to explore their mathematical interests.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: UIUC's Mathematics Program stands out for its commitment to interdisciplinary research and the integration of cutting-edge technology.
Boston College: Each year, Boston College awards around 274 degrees to students majoring in Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, which is the school’s most popular major.
Vanderbilt University: At Vanderbilt University, the most popular majors students study are Social Sciences, General, Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, and Other.
Northwestern University: At Northwestern University, the most popular majors students study are Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia, and Computer Science.
University of Minnesota Twin Cities: At the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, the most popular majors students pursue are Computer Science, Psychology, General, Biology/Biological Sciences, and General.

What Makes a Top Math Program?

Here are some criteria to consider when evaluating mathematics programs:

Strong Faculty: Look for outstanding faculty members with expertise in diverse mathematical disciplines.
Research Opportunities: Seek ample opportunities for undergraduate mathematics student research and participation in mathematical projects.
Innovative Curriculum: A curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications is highly valuable.
Facilities and Resources: Access to state-of-the-art facilities, libraries, and technology can greatly support exploration of mathematical sciences.
Networking Opportunities: A vibrant academic community and networking opportunities with professionals in the field can enhance your career prospects.

Finding the Right Fit

Finding the right mathematics school involves a thoughtful and personalized approach. Consider the following steps:

Research Programs: Explore the mathematics programs at different institutions, considering their curriculum, faculty, and research opportunities.
Visit Campuses: Attend campus visits or virtual tours to get a feel for the academic environment and available resources.
Speak with Current Students: Connect with current students to gain insights into their experiences and the overall culture of the mathematics department.
Consider Location: Think about the location of the school and how it aligns with your preferences, whether you prefer an urban or rural setting.
Evaluate Financial Considerations: Assess the financial aspects, including tuition, available scholarships, available financial aid, and the overall cost of living.

Popular Majors at Various Universities

To further illustrate the diverse academic landscapes of these institutions, here's a glimpse into the popular majors pursued by students:

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute: Every year, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute grants around 250 degrees to those majoring in Computer Science, the institution’s most popular major.
Boston University: At Boston University, the most popular majors students pursue are Business Administration and Management, General, Computer Science, Economics, and General.
Amherst College: Amherst College has an open curriculum plan, which means there are no general education requirements for students.
University of Massachusetts-Amherst: Annually, the University of Massachusetts-Amherst awards around 533 degrees to those majoring in Psychology, General, the school’s most popular major.
Washington University in St Louis: At Washington University in St Louis, the most popular majors students study are Computer Science, Experimental Psychology, and Mechanical Engineering.
St Olaf College: At St Olaf College, the most popular majors students pursue are Biology/Biological Sciences, General, Research and Experimental Psychology, Other, Mathematics, and General.
Binghamton University: At Binghamton University, the three most popular college majors students study are Biology/Biological Sciences, General, Psychology, General, and Neuroscience.
Vassar College: At Vassar College, the most popular majors students study are Economics, General, Research and Experimental Psychology, Other, Biology/Biological Sciences, and General.
Rice University: Each year, Rice University grants about 158 degrees to those studying Computer and Information Sciences, General, the school’s most popular major.
Georgetown University: At Georgetown University, the most popular majors students study are International Relations and Affairs, Finance, General, Political Science and Government, and General.
Southern Methodist University: At Southern Methodist University, the three most popular college majors students pursue are Finance, General, Economics, General, Psychology, and General.
University of Washington-Seattle Campus: Annually, the University of Washington-Seattle Campus grants around 480 degrees to those studying Computer Science, which is the institution’s most popular major.
University of Maryland-Baltimore County: Every year, the University of Maryland-Baltimore County awards around 327 degrees to students majoring in Computer Science, the school’s most popular major.
University of California-Santa Barbara: Annually, the University of California-Santa Barbara awards around 661 degrees to students studying Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, the institution’s most popular major.
University at Buffalo: Each year, the University at Buffalo awards around 693 degrees to those studying Business Administration and Management, General, the institution’s most popular major.
Pomona College: Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, Computer Science, Political Science and Government, General, Neuroscience, and Molecular Biology are the top choices for majors at Pomona College.
Carleton College: Annually, Carleton College awards around 69 degrees to students majoring in Computer Science, which is the school’s most popular major.
College of the Holy Cross: Annually, the College of the Holy Cross grants about 123 degrees to students studying Economics, General, the school’s most popular major.
Stony Brook University: At Stony Brook University, the three most popular college majors students pursue are Psychology, General, Biology/Biological Sciences, General, Business Administration and Management, and General.
University of California-Santa Cruz: At the University of California-Santa Cruz, the most popular majors students pursue are Computer Science, Psychology, General, and Business/Managerial Economics.
Wesleyan University: Each year, Wesleyan University awards about 105 degrees to students studying Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, the school’s most popular major.
Bryn Mawr College: At Bryn Mawr College, the most popular majors students study are Biology/Biological Sciences, General, Psychology, General, English Language and Literature, and General.
Wheaton College: At Wheaton College, the three most popular college majors students study are Business/Managerial Economics, Psychology, General, English Language and Literature, and General.
Villanova University: At Villanova University, the most popular majors students pursue are Finance, General, Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, and Speech Communication and Rhetoric.
Middlebury College: At Middlebury College, the most popular majors students pursue are Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, Environmental Studies, and Neuroscience.
Indiana University-East: Annually, Indiana University-East awards around 126 degrees to students studying Psychology, General, the institution’s most popular major.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus: At Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus, the most popular majors students study are Finance, General, Information Science/Studies, Psychology, and General.
Ohio State University-Main Campus: Annually, Ohio State University-Main Campus awards around 794 degrees to students majoring in Finance, General, which is the school’s most popular major.
Harvey Mudd College: Annually, Harvey Mudd College awards about 53 degrees to students majoring in Engineering, General, which is the school’s most popular major.
Oberlin College: At Oberlin College, the three most popular college majors students study are Music Performance, General, Psychology, General, Biology/Biological Sciences, and General.
University of Iowa: Every year, the University of Iowa grants around 393 degrees to students studying Kinesiology and Exercise Science, the school’s most popular major.
Grinnell College: Every year, Grinnell College grants about 48 degrees to those studying Computer Science, the school’s most popular major.
Lafayette College: Every year, Lafayette College awards around 87 degrees to students studying Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, which is the school’s most popular major.
St Lawrence University: Every year, St Lawrence University awards about 72 degrees to students studying Psychology, General, which is the school’s most popular major.
Bridgewater State University: Every year, Bridgewater State University grants around 251 degrees to students studying Psychology, General, which is the school’s most popular major.
Kenyon College: Every year, Kenyon College awards around 76 degrees to those majoring in English Language and Literature, General, which is the school’s most popular major.
University of Nebraska at Omaha: At the University of Nebraska at Omaha, the three most popular college majors students pursue are General Studies, Criminal Justice/Safety Studies, Psychology, and General.
Hillsdale College: Annually, Hillsdale College awards about 39 degrees to students studying English Language and Literature, General, which is the institution’s most popular major.
University of Florida: At the University of Florida, the most popular majors students pursue are Biology/Biological Sciences, General, Psychology, General, Business Administration and Management, and General.
California State University-San Bernardino: Annually, California State University-San Bernardino awards about 768 degrees to those majoring in Business Administration and Management, General, the institution’s most popular major.
Columbia University: Columbia University is separated into 20 different schools which include the College, global research outposts, Juilliard School, Barnard College, and more.
Centre College: Each year, Centre College awards about 48 degrees to those studying Economics, Other, the school’s most popular major.
University of California-San Diego: At the University of California-San Diego, the most popular majors students study are Cognitive Science, Anatomy, and Computer Science.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute: At Worcester Polytechnic Institute, annually awards around 197 degrees to those studying Computer Science, the institution’s most popular major.
Whitworth University: At Whitworth University, the three most popular college majors students pursue are Psychology, General, Biological and Physical Sciences, and Elementary Education and Teaching.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University: Each year, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University grants about 526 degrees to those majoring in Computer and Information Sciences, General, the institution’s most popular major.
Purdue University-Main Campus: At Purdue University-Main Campus, the three most popular college majors students pursue are Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and General.
Dickinson College: At Dickinson College, the three most popular college majors students study are International Business/Trade/Commerce, Political Science and Government, General, Psychology, and General.
Mount Holyoke College: Annually, Mount Holyoke College awards around 54 degrees to students studying Biology/Biological Sciences, General, which is the institution’s most popular major.
CUNY Queens College: At CUNY Queens College, the three most popular college majors students pursue are Psychology, General, Computer Science, and Accounting.
Wabash College: Annually, Wabash College awards around 25 degrees to students studying Philosophy, Politics, and Economics, the institution’s most popular major.
Claremont McKenna College: Annually, Claremont McKenna College awards about 98 degrees to those studying Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, which is the school’s most popular major.
Michigan State University: Every year, Michigan State University awards around 497 degrees to those majoring in Biology/Biological Sciences, General, the school’s most popular major.
Florida State University: At Florida State University, the three most popular college majors students study are Psychology, General, Finance, General, Marketing/Marketing Management, and General.
Louisiana State University-Alexandria: At Louisiana State University-Alexandria, the most popular majors students pursue are General Studies, Psychology, General, and Accounting.
University of Connecticut: Annually, the University of Connecticut grants around 400 degrees to those majoring in Psychology, General, the institution’s most popular major.
Meredith College: At Meredith College, the three most popular college majors students study are Biology/Biological Sciences, General, Psychology, General, and Interior Design.
Grand Valley State University: At Grand Valley State University, the most popular majors students study are Psychology, General, Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Marketing/Marketing Management, and General.
St. Mary's College of Maryland: Each year, St- Mary's College of Maryland grants about 48 degrees to those majoring in Psychology, General, which is the institution’s most popular major.
University of Georgia: At the University of Georgia, the most popular majors students pursue are Psychology, General, Biology/Biological Sciences, General, Finance, and General.
Oregon State University: At Oregon State University, the three most popular college majors students study are Computer Science, Business Administration and Management, General, Psychology, and General.
Tufts University: Every year, Tufts University grants about 177 degrees to those majoring in Computer Science, which is the institution’s most popular major.
Gordon College: Annually, Gordon College grants about 35 degrees to those studying Biology/Biological Sciences, General, which is the institution’s most popular major.
Spelman College: At Spelman College, the most popular majors students study are Psychology, General, Political Science and Government, General, Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, and General.
SUNY at Purchase College: At SUNY at Purchase College, the three most popular college majors students study are Psychology, General, Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General, and Fine and Studio Arts Management.
University of Arizona: Every year, the University of Arizona awards around 469 degrees to students majoring in Psychology, General, which is the institution’s most popular major.
Principia College: At Principia College, the three most popular college majors students pursue are Education, General, Mass Communication/Media Studies, History, and General.
Lawrence University: Annually, Lawrence University grants about 37 degrees to those studying Music Performance, General, which is the institution’s most popular major.
Colorado College: Each year, Colorado College awards about 43 degrees to those studying Political Science and Government, General, the school’s most popular major.
Wake Forest University: Annually, Wake Forest University awards about 156 degrees to those studying Finance, General, which is the school’s most popular major.
Southwestern University: Annually, Southwestern University awards about 85 degrees to those majoring in Business/Commerce, General, which is the school’s most popular major.
Wofford College: Every year, Wofford College grants around 94 degrees to those majoring in Biology/Biological Sciences, General, the institution’s most popular major.
University of Missouri-Columbia: Every year, the University of Missouri-Columbia awards around 792 degrees to those majoring in Business/Commerce, General, the institution’s most popular major.
California State University-Long Beach: Annually, California State University-Long Beach grants around 1284 degrees to students majoring in Business Administration and Management, General, the institution’s most popular major.
Kalamazoo College: At Kalamazoo College, the most popular majors students pursue are Biology/Biological Sciences, General, Business/Commerce, General, Psychology, and General.
University of North Carolina at Charlotte: Every year, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte grants around 641 degrees to students majoring in Computer Science, the institution’s most popular major.
Saint Norbert College: Every year, Saint Norbert College grants around 49 degrees to students majoring in Biology/Biological Sciences, General, the institution’s most…

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