Every industry, every sector, and every corner of the global economy needs people who understand math. With the cheapest online math degree programs, you can become a math expert at a low cost. As a bonus, you can complete one of these elite programs in the convenience of your own home.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be roughly 35,000 job openings for math occupations, which include mathematicians, statisticians, actuaries, and data scientists. These careers require a deep knowledge of algebra, calculus, and other challenging disciplines. Because of the high demand and difficult subjects, they bring strong earnings and steady, stable employment.
This database includes 17 degrees from 13 different schools. There are bachelor of science programs, as well as bachelor of arts degrees. You can even find specializations, such as degrees in applied mathematics or information systems. No matter what your specific goals, if you want a career in math, there is an online math degree that will fit your needs.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$46,000
Least Expensive In-state: Thomas Edison State University ~$26,850
Least Expensive Out-of-state: Central Methodist University ~$35,125
If you have an interest in math, if you want to use numbers, statistics, probability, and numbers-based systems to improve business, government, or education, a math degree may be right for you.
Below, you’ll find information and resources on the top math online degrees from leading institutions. These degrees are at least 80% online (many are completely online) and come from respected, accredited institutions. If you’re ready to start a rewarding career in math, you’ve come to the right place!
The 7 Cheapest Online Math Degree Programs
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Thomas Edison State University | (NJ) | $26,850.00 $34,690.00 $30,298.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
2 | Central Methodist University | (MO) | $35,125.00 | All Students |
3 | Eastern New Mexico University | (NM) | $35,730.00 $45,632.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
4 | Chadron State College | (NE) | $37,080.00 | All Students |
5 |  Southern New Hampshire University | (NH) | $39,600.00 $27,720.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
6 | Mayville State University | (ND) | $40,470.00 | All Students |
7 | Columbia College - MO | (MO) | $45,000.00 $30,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Liberty University | (VA) | $49,292.00 $32,492.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Wilmington University | (DE) | $49,420.00 $30,340.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Bellevue University | (NE) | $59,123.00 $33,850.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Ottawa University | (KS) | $63,831.00 $32,955.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Maryville University | (MO) | $70,480.00 | All Students |
How We Created These Ranks of the Cheapest Online Math Degree Programs
These rankings of online math bachelor’s programs are based on our fall 2023 review of degrees. To calculate the total cost, we use a variety of factors including minimum required credit hours, tuition rates, and general fees. At the time of collection, the information was valid and specific to the individual program. Profiles for online math bachelor’s found in the directory on our site may, on occasion, reflect a different cost based on editorial update schedules.
The published cost is an estimated total price for the entire bachelor of mathematics online, but actual costs will vary by student. For example, if you have transfer credits, your cost may be lower. Prerequisite courses, textbook fees, licensing requirements, financial aid, and numerous other factors can impact the price of an affordable online math degree.
We strive to create the most honest, accurate ranking system possible. Therefore, we do not accept payments from schools to be included or removed from our rankings. The rankings are open to any regionally-accredited public or nonprofit college or university that offers an online math degree. We do not include degrees from non-accredited, nationally-accredited, or for-profit schools in our rankings. We also exclude from our rankings degrees that are available less than 80% online and those that are only available to students in five states or fewer.
Program Note: To qualify for a ranking, the bachelor in math online must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table. Degrees labeled with superscript 14 indicate that options for this program have changed since publication.
Why Enroll in One of the Cheapest Online Math Degree Programs?
Math, while certainly challenging, is one of the best career fields you can find. Overall employment is expected to be strong, while the median annual salaries for math experts are usually $90,000 or more.
Requiring about four years of study, these programs are available as bachelor of arts and bachelor of science, with various focus areas available. They create well-rounded experts in various math subjects and, because they are bachelor programs, also include classic academic topics like history and literature.
Once you complete these programs, the path is open to a myriad of well-paying jobs. While most mathematicians need a master’s degree, it’s possible to work in these high-demand positions with only a bachelor’s. You could also become a data scientist, actuary, or statistician with one of the cheapest online math degree programs.
If you enjoy teaching and math, you could use a bachelor of mathematics online as a foundation for a teaching career, either at the high school or collegiate level. Additional training will be required, but this is a common route for many math experts.
Here are a few of the top reasons to enroll in an online mathematics degree:
- Strong earnings: Mathematicians and statisticians, as examples, have a median annual income of $99,960.
- Many openings: The BLS expects roughly 35,000 job openings for all math careers. Statisticians in particular will grow by 32%, resulting in 43,900 jobs by 2032.
- Chance to teach this important topic: Although additional training is required, teaching is a popular and fulfilling option for math experts.
Program Cost for an Online Bachelor’s in Math
A bachelor of mathematics online can be surprisingly affordable or shockingly expensive. Much depends on the program you select, but other factors, such as previous college credits and financial aid, can impact the cost as well.
The average cost for these bachelor of mathematics online programs is $46,000. This may be a large sum, but if you break it down by year, it becomes far more manageable. Most of these programs require four years of full-time study, meaning the average program costs about $11,500 per year. This makes the total cost more manageable for students on a budget.
The cheapest online math degree comes from Thomas Edison State University, a public institution in New Jersey. The Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from TESU is available with a total cost of only $26,850 for in-state students. Annually, students pay about $6,713 for this degree.
The most expensive program comes from Maryville University. The Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from this school has an estimated cost of $70,480, making it one of the most expensive degrees you can find.
Numerous factors impact the cost of a degree. Private schools, in general, tend to be more expensive. Five schools in this database have online bachelor’s in math programs that are more expensive than the average; they are all private institutions. Meanwhile, half of the below-average programs (four out of eight) come from public schools.
As you can see, these degrees are affordable, especially when you choose one of the cheapest online math degree programs.
Who Offers the Most Affordable Mathematics Bachelor’s Degrees Online?
If you research these programs, you’ll discover affordable options that lead to excellent careers. Here are details about the three schools that offer the cheapest online bachelor’s in math programs:
#1. Thomas Edison State University – Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics
Cost: $26,850 (In-state, New Jersey)
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
The first option on our list comes from Thomas Edison State University (TESU), a public university located in Trenton, New Jersey. Founded in 1972, TESU is a relative newcomer to academia, yet has risen to become one of the most respected and innovative institutions in the country. Formerly known as Thomas Edison State College, the school changed its name in 2015 to reflect its success in expanding graduate programs.
This degree consists of general education courses, such as writing, public speaking, and government, as well as math courses. Mathematics students will master subjects like calculus, geometry, and mathematical modeling. Once complete, graduates can develop and write math proofs, demonstrate problem-solving, and show core competency in algebra and applied mathematics.
#2. Central Methodist University – Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Mathematics
Cost: $35,125 (All students)
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
A much older institution, Central Methodist University was founded in 1854 in Fayette, Missouri. It is a four-year private liberal arts college that offers online classes in a variety of subjects, including mathematics. The school also has sites across Missouri and the surrounding region.
This online degree empowers students to solve complex mathematical problems. Students complete 32 hours of general education courses in addition to their math classes. All students (BA or BS) must complete classes in calculus and geometry, along with a science seminar. The main difference between the two options is the number of electives: a student taking the Bachelor of Arts program must complete 14 hours of electives while a BS student must complete 20 elective hours.
#3. Eastern New Mexico University – Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Mathematics
Cost: $35,730 (In-state, New Mexico)
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Also offering a BA and a BS in mathematics, Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) features prominently in many of our rankings. The school offers over 30 online degree options, which come with a variety of resources including specialized library services and flexible course formats. For this list of the cheapest online math degree programs, the school comes in at #3 thanks to a total cost of $35,730 for New Mexico residents.
The purpose of these math degrees is to make students “fluent in a universal language.” In this case, that language is math. The four-year degree has been crafted to emphasize theoretical and applied mathematics, as well as the teaching of mathematics. (It does not qualify graduates for teaching certification.)
Online Math Degree Program Types and What to Expect
This database consists entirely of bachelor’s degrees, which means students will need roughly four years (eight semesters) to complete the program. You can reduce this time if you already have college credits that your new institution accepts. For example, if you have completed a two-year associate’s degree, and all the credits are accepted, you may complete a bachelor’s degree in two additional years.
While all of these degrees are bachelor’s programs in math, they come with various specializations, concentrations, and types. A major difference is between bachelor of arts and bachelor of science programs: a bachelor of arts program is more theoretical, while a bachelor of science will include more technical and scientific learning. Differences vary, but a BA tends to be more flexible, allowing for multiple interests, while a BS is highly focused on math topics.
Many of the programs are only available as a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science, with no specialization or concentration. Some, however, allow for a concentrated focus in a specific area. The best example is the Bachelor of Science in Computational Mathematics from Liberty University. This program is available in four concentrations: actuarial, computer science, engineering, and information systems.
Regardless of the degree, students should expect a combination of general classes and math-specific coursework. Unless you have completed gen ed requirements through previous college studies, you will likely take courses like composition, literature, history, and government. You will also take concentrated math programs that shape your deep understanding of algebra, geometry, calculus, trigonometry, and statistics.
Accreditation for Affordable Mathematics Programs
Accreditation is a system of quality checks for academia. If a school is accredited, it has been reviewed by an accrediting body and met their standards for education, faculty, job placement, graduate skill, and other factors that determine a high-quality school.
The most common form of accreditation is institutional, which is also known as regional accreditation. This form covers the entire college or university. Regional groups that cover large sections of the country issue this type of accreditation. Regional accrediting bodies include the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. All the online math degree programs in this database have institutional accreditation.
Programmatic accreditation is the other major form. This is granted by subject-specific groups and only applies to a specific program, not the school as a whole. While there are programmatic groups for nursing, technology, journalism, and many other fields, there is no accrediting body for math degrees. As long as the degree comes from an accredited institution, it will deliver a high-quality education that meets the most rigorous standards.
Typical Admission Requirements for an Online Math Degree
Admission requirements for an online bachelor’s degree are, essentially, the same as an in-person degree. Students will need to provide transcripts from their high school or proof of a GED. Some schools may have GPA requirements, but these are usually light; a GPA of 2.0 or 2.5, for instance, is a requirement with certain math programs. Typical admission requirements also include SAT or ACT scores, although many schools are de-emphasizing these tests.
Common admission requirements include:
- A high school diploma or equivalency
- Transcripts
- SAT or ACT scores
- Statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
Each school is different. If you are interested in a program, contact the admissions office for more information.
Licensing and Certification
Licensing is an important part of many careers, but most math experts do not need a government-mandated certificate or license.
Mathematicians, for example, do not need a license to work in their profession. Likewise, data scientists can serve clients, customers, and employers without a certification of any kind.
Actuaries may need voluntary certification for specific positions, but this is not typically a legal requirement.
The one exception will be if you choose to teach math in a public school. For example, if you use your expertise to become a high school math teacher, you’ll need a teaching license, which is provided through the state.
Salary and Career
Math skills are in high demand. Graduates of affordable online bachelor’s in math programs can expect strong incomes and stable job growth.
While mathematicians often need a master’s degree, it’s possible to work in this career with a bachelor’s. This occupation has a median salary (May 2022) of $112,110, while the top 10% earn over $171,000 annually. Mathematicians, however, are expected to see little job growth (2% between 2022 and 2032) but statisticians are expected to see a rise of 32%.
Another popular career for math majors is that of a data scientist, which only requires a bachelor’s. This career has a median salary of $103,500, while the top 10% earn over $174,000. To make the career even more attractive, the job is expected to grow 35%, leaping to over 228,000 jobs, by 2032. Math experts with training and knowledge in data science will be paid well and in high demand.
Graduates could also work as actuaries, math experts who specialize in the financial cost of risk. Often working for the insurance industry, actuaries have a median salary of $113,990. The top 10% earn over $199,000 a year. The career will see a growth rate of 23%, making this one of the best career options out there.
Overall, math occupations including mathematician, data scientist, and operations research analyst, will see roughly 35,000 job openings a year. This means plenty of opportunity (and high incomes) for people who understand the complexities of math.
How Do I Choose a Good Online Mathematics Degree Program?
If you have decided that an online math degree is the right path for your future, start by researching the costs for a variety of programs. Take a look at the required coursework, and if you have previous college experience (a community college, for example), contact the admissions office at potential schools and ask about credit transfer policies.
As always, research the school’s accreditation and stick with schools that have proven their overall quality through accredited organizations.
If you need more help selecting the perfect online math program, use the resources on GetEducated.com. We have the information you need to make the right choice. Whether you are just out of high school or returning to college after decades of work, we are here to help!