The world of mathematics is vast, covering everything from calculus and algebra to topology and number theory. For students who enjoy working with numbers and solving complex problems, a degree in mathematics can be an excellent choice. With so many options to choose from, how can you know which colleges are the best for math majors? College Factual has developed its “Most Well Attended Math Major” ranking as one tool to help students make this important decision.
The ranking is based on the number of students who earned a degree in mathematics at each college during the 2020-2021 academic year. This information was gathered from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which is maintained by the U.S. Department of Education. The ranking includes colleges from all over the country, from small liberal arts colleges to large research universities.
One of the benefits of a mathematics degree is the wide range of career paths it can lead to. Graduates with a degree in mathematics can find work in fields as diverse as finance, technology, engineering, and education. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for mathematicians was $96,280 as of Feb 2023.
While a mathematics degree can be a great investment in the long term, it’s important to consider the cost of tuition and other expenses when choosing a college. The “Most Well Attended Math Major” ranking takes this into account by providing data on each college’s net price. Net price is the total cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and room and board, minus any grants or scholarships that a student may receive. The lower the net price, the more affordable the college is.
According to the ranking, the top three colleges for mathematics majors are the University of California-Berkeley, the University of California-Los Angeles, and the University of Texas at Austin. These three schools awarded a combined total of 1,129 degrees in mathematics in 2020-2021, more than any other colleges in the country.
Other colleges in the top ten include Pennsylvania State University, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. These schools all have strong mathematics programs and offer a wide range of courses and research opportunities for students.
Of course, the “Most Well Attended Math Major” ranking is just one tool that students can use when choosing a college. It’s important to consider other factors as well, such as the location of the college, the size of the student body, and the availability of extracurricular activities. Students should also take the time to research each college’s mathematics program and faculty to ensure that it is a good fit for their interests and career goals.
For students who are interested in pursuing a degree in mathematics, there are many resources available to help them make informed decisions. In addition to the “Most Well Attended Math Major” ranking, College Factual offers a wealth of information on colleges and majors across the country. Students can use the site to compare colleges, explore majors, and find scholarships and financial aid.
There are also many professional organizations and resources available for students and professionals in the field of mathematics. The Mathematical Association of America, for example, offers a variety of resources for students and teachers, including conferences, competitions, and publications. The Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics is another organization that provides resources and networking opportunities for professionals in the field.
In conclusion, the “Most Well Attended Math Major” ranking is a valuable tool for students who are considering a degree in mathematics. By providing data on the number of degrees awarded and net price at each college, the ranking can help students make informed decisions about their education.
