2026 Best Value General Mathematics Schools in Iowa
[General Mathematics](/majors/mathematics-and-statistics/mathematics/general-mathematics/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong general mathematics education at a price that pays off.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 36 schools to find the best return on investment for general mathematics students.
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Featured General Mathematics Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
BA in Mathematics
If you have a knack for mathematics and an interest in learning more, study online to achieve your career goals at Southern New Hampshire University. Our mathematics degree can help you enhance your mathematical abilities, including reasoning and problem-solving in three areas: analysis, algebra and statistics.
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BA in Mathematics - Applied Mathematics
Put mathematical concepts to work to solve today's most complex real-world problems by studying applied mathematics with this specialized online bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.
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2026 Best Value General Mathematics Schools in Iowa
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the general mathematics degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value General Mathematics Schools
Grinnell College earned the #1 spot for value among general mathematics schools in Iowa. Grinnell College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Grinnell. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,196. Students borrow a median of $17,154 to complete the general mathematics program here. Soon after graduation, general mathematics degree recipients from Grinnell College generally make around $38,888. Set against $17,154 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Grinnell College admits about 14% of applicants.
University Of Northern Iowa came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value general mathematics schools. Set in the city of Cedar Falls, University Of Northern Iowa is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,936, with out-of-state students paying around $21,712. General Mathematics graduates carry a median of $19,723 in student loans. Early-career general mathematics graduates make about $51,423. Set against $19,723 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Northern Iowa admits about 93% of applicants.
A rank of #3 makes Iowa State University one of the best values for general mathematics. Set in the city of Ames, Iowa State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. General Mathematics graduates carry a median of $22,942 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general mathematics degree recipients from Iowa State University generally make around $51,422. Set against $22,942 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Iowa State University admits about 89% of applicants.
A rank of #4 makes University Of Iowa one of the best values for general mathematics. Set in the city of Iowa City, University Of Iowa is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,283, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. General Mathematics graduates carry a median of $21,738 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general mathematics degree recipients from University Of Iowa generally make around $60,612. That is a strong return on a $21,738 median debt. The acceptance rate is 84%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Drake University earned it the #5 place for general mathematics. Located in the city of Des Moines, Drake University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $51,960. Typical student debt for general mathematics graduates is $22,273. Early-career general mathematics graduates make about $56,228. Set against $22,273 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted.
More General Mathematics Rankings
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Notes and References
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 36 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
