Students with math reasoning skills would benefit from the cheapest online math degrees offered by high-caliber universities and colleges. Degrees in mathematics give students math proficiency to help calculate an organization’s production costs and measure business profits.
This article looks at the differences between an in-person and online math degree and which is the most affordable online math degree. The classroom experience in online programs may differ from traditional courses, but they still give you a strong foundation in math fundamentals.
You can find the cheapest online schools for math in a private or public institution. An online mathematics degree program may also have a less complicated application process. Each campus program varies in its core and elective courses, but for you, it may come down to the online tuition rates.
Can I Get a Math Degree Online?
Yes, you can get a math degree online. Many affordable colleges and universities offer undergraduate and graduate degrees online with seasoned faculty. You can study for a math degree program from Mayville State University, American Public University, and University of North Alabama.
Why Should I Get a Math Degree Online?
You should get a math degree online because it offers students flexibility and freedom in class meeting times. Most online education courses make video lectures available and accessible to online students.
A math degree online offers the same quality as an in-person class and can exponentially increase your math skills. You can take your analytical and problem-solving skills to the next level with online degrees in mathematics. Learn to solve real-world problems with real-world experience.
There are plenty of career opportunities waiting for online math degree graduates. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, career outlook projections show a 33 percent job growth from 2020 to 2030, which is much faster than average. Graduates can find work in a broad range of fields, including research and development, business, government, and finance.
What Are the Most Affordable Online Math Degree Programs in the US?
The most affordable online math degree programs include a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Central Methodist University and a Bachelor of Science from Mayville State University.
Mathematicians and statisticians receive high salaries and work in rewarding careers.
Cheapest Math Degree Programs Online That Will Help You Stand Out
- Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics
- Master of Science degree in Mathematics
- Associate Degree in Mathematics
How Much Does an Online Math Degree Cost?
An online math degree costs between $260 and $562 per credit. The cost of education credits can depend on your degree and school type. Minimum education credits required by each degree type are 60 for an associate, 120 for a bachelor’s, and 30 for a master’s degree.
Will Getting a Math Degree Online Save Me Money?
Yes, getting a math degree online will save you money. There are many things that campus students pay for that online students don’t have to pay. The on-campus expenses include transportation, campus fees, accommodation, and textbooks. Online tuition rates are generally lower than in-person programs.
Online Math Programs vs In-Person Math Programs
There are a few differences between online and in-person math programs. Choosing the graduate or undergraduate degree that is right for you depends on your end goal. An online math course is of great benefit to those who work full-time. An in-person course can benefit those who need to be in a traditional classroom setting.
Benefits of an Online Math Degree
- It has a lower cost. Students who work full-time now have access to quality math education that is affordable. Other things that make online colleges more affordable are that you don’t have to commute, pay for accommodation, or buy textbooks.
- It allows flexibility. You can study math online anywhere and anytime. You can arrange your class time around your schedule and access lectures immediately.
- It encourages time management. A great benefit of an online math degree program is that it trains you to be disciplined with your time.
- It gives you more free time. Commuting takes time. A properly managed online math degree program gives you time to spend on other priorities. This is a great advantage for students who look after a family or work full-time.
- It can help advance your career. Math online degrees are helpful if you want to upskill for career advancement while working. You can work and study at the same time.
Benefits of In-Person Math Degree Programs
- You can build stronger connections. You’ll be able to see your peers and friends in person, which will help you to collaborate and develop deeper connections. If you need to be part of a student body, an in-person course will help you not to feel isolated.
- You have quick access to facilities. Since you are already on campus, you have immediate facility access. Many schools offer access to libraries, laboratories, or athletic facilities.
- You have fewer distractions. Some students focus better by attending traditional classes. They also work better by being accountable to math teachers and instructors.
- You have healthy competition. It helps to be challenged by those around you, and some students thrive in this. If you enjoy healthy competition, then the path of distance learning might not be for you.
- You have a multimodal experience. Not everyone learns the same. Some people need a multimodal approach. This means you can see lectures on the screen, have contact with your professor, and use hands-on practices.
Online Math Degree Career Options
You can pursue several online math degree career options once you graduate. Math degree graduates have learned actuarial science, quantitative analysis, and applied statistics. These skills will help them become mathematicians, statisticians, economists, financial analysts, and data scientists.
Math Job Outlook
To receive a high salary, a mathematician should study for a master’s degree. Jobs for mathematicians and statisticians are projected to grow by 33 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Data scientists can expect a 22 percent job growth, which is considered much faster than average.
Math Salary
According to PayScale, the average salary for a math graduate is $81,000 a year. Your experience, location, and the company you work for will influence this annual wage. Ongoing training at a professional school will help to boost your skills to get a better salary.
Can I Enroll in an Online Math Program for Free?
No, you can’t enroll in an online math program for free. However, this doesn’t mean there are no options to lessen your expenses. Financial aid can help you receive a tuition discount, and you can apply for federal grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study programs.
Cheapest Online Math Degree Programs
| School | Online Degree | Degree Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Monroe Community College | Associate Degree in Mathematics | $198/credit |
| Central Methodist University | Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics | $260/credit |
| Emporia State University | Master of Science in Mathematics | $266/credit |
| American Public University | Bachelor of Science in Mathematics | $285/credit |
| Eastern New Mexico University | Bachelor of Science or Arts in Mathematics | $298/credit |
| University of North Alabama | Master of Science in Mathematics | $320/credit |
| Mayville State University | Bachelor of Science in Mathematics | $326/credit |
| Front Range Community College | Mathematics Associate of Science | $367/credit |
| Central Methodist University | Master of Science in Mathematics | $380/credit |
| Indiana State University | Master’s in mathematics | $562/credit |
Math Degrees Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Most Affordable Online Math Programs
We chose the most affordable math degree programs based on tuition and general costs information from the schools’ official websites, the US Department of Education’s database of accredited schools, and the US Department of Education’s College Scorecard tool.
The Cheapest Online Math Degree Programs: A Deep Dive
Common Online Math Degree Courses
Common online math degree courses include mathematical modeling, differential equations, statistics, and differential equations. Mathematics courses teach students to think analytically and give them real-world problem-solving experiences.
Mathematical Modeling
This course helps students to integrate their previous experiences with mathematical concepts to provide different methods to solve problems. Learned concepts include slopes, linear regression, inequalities, and operations and applications of matrices.
Differential Equations
Students learn about various concepts and techniques of differential equations. This will cover differential equations with variable coefficients. This course is applicable to business management.
Data Analysis and Presentation
Students will be able to understand different techniques for presenting, analyzing, and organizing huge data sets. The coursework includes descriptive statistics and focuses on real-world physical and social sciences applications. You’ll also be more familiar with statistical software packages.
Discrete Mathematics
Students learn about different essential concepts of discrete mathematics, which include methods of proof, graphs and sets, functions, relations and equivalences, polynomial sequences, probability, and counting. The course also provides concepts you can find in electrical engineering or computer science courses.
Statistics
Students will better understand different statistical models and methods for analyzing and solving various problems in business, education, science, medicine, and other disciplines. The program teaches students about inferential and descriptive statistics, probability variations and averages, normal probability distributions, sampling distributions, and confidence intervals.
Can I Apply for Federal Aid to Finance My Online Math Degree?
Yes, you can apply for federal aid to finance your online math degree. There are various financial aid packages, but the first step is to complete a FAFSA form when you fill out your college application. It is essential that you submit all the needed documents to ensure you meet the deadline.
Options to Help Pay for an Online Math Degree
Online education could still be expensive for some students, especially those with tight budgets. The good news is that options are available to help you pay for an online math degree. Below are some options you can consider that can help you pay for college.
Federal and State Grants
Unlike loans, grants don’t have to be repaid. Typically, the grants are awarded to students who have financial needs. The different types of grants include Federal Pell Grants, Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants, and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG).
Federal and Private Loans
You can also fund your education with a private or federal loan. The federal government funds a federal loan while a private student loan is granted by a state agency, school, credit union, or bank. The advantage of a federal loan is that it has a fixed interest rate and income-driven repayment plans. This option is usually not available for private loans.
Work-Study
A federal work-study program allows students to get part-time jobs while studying. This is available for both undergraduate and graduate students. The program encourages community service work and work related to the student’s course of study. The work-study programs could be administered by schools that are currently participating in the program.
Cheapest Math Degree Programs Online
There are many benefits for online students as they pursue their degrees. Besides being flexible, they are also typically the most affordable. Below is a list of the cheapest online math degree programs.
Most Affordable Online Math Associate Degrees
- Front Range Community College | Mathematics Associate of Science. The coursework is divided into four semesters and includes courses in English composition, computer science, logic, and public speaking.
- Monroe Community College | Associate Degree in Mathematics. Students will be able to develop mathematical models when they encounter application problems. They’ll learn to construct mathematical arguments using definitions and theorems. Online students will also be able to formulate mathematical proofs. Coursework includes linear algebra, calculus, and discrete mathematics.
- Tulsa Community College | Associate in Science in Mathematics. In this degree, students learn about the principles of mathematics and how it is applied in everyday life. The coursework includes computer programming, analytic geometry, and calculus.
- Bucks County Community College | Associate of Science in Mathematics. This program prepares students to take a bachelor’s degree. Upon completion, students will be able to translate and interpret descriptive and pictorial information into mathematical statements. Students will also be able to show understanding of functions, differentiation, and integration.
- South Texas College | Associate of Science in Mathematics. Students learn about foundational mathematical skills which can be applied in various professions. The coursework includes calculus, composition, and linear algebra.
Most Affordable Online Math Bachelor’s Degrees
- Central Methodist University | Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics. Students develop the skills to function in various career choices such as teaching, engineering, economics, computing, physical science, statistics, and physical science. The bachelor’s degree prepares students for continuing education into graduate school.
- Mayville State University | Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. Students taking this course must take business administration and general science minors. The courses include management theory and research, business communication, and general chemistry.
- American Public University | Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. Students can choose a concentration for this degree program. These concentrations are applied mathematics, statistics, operations research, and data science. Its major requirements include scientific writing, analytic geometry, and discrete mathematics.
- Eastern New Mexico University | Bachelor of Science or Arts in Mathematics. The core courses for this program include computer programming, calculus, foundations of higher mechanics, and abstract algebra.
- Louisiana State University | Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. The major requirements for this program include mathematics fundamentals, elementary differential equations, and calculus.
Most Affordable Online Math Master’s Degrees
- University of North Alabama | Master of Science in Mathematics. This program requires students to take applied engineering programming, advanced applied engineering mathematics, and advanced mathematics foundations.
- Emporia State University | Master of Science in Mathematics. The coursework for this program includes differential equations, numerical analysis, and optimization techniques. Through the program, students will gain leadership skills and become experts in different areas of mathematics.
- Central Methodist University | Master of Science in Mathematics. After completing this program, students need to take written and oral exit exams. Students study functions of complex variables, which include geometry and algebra of complex numbers and integral theorems and derivatives.
- Indiana State University | Master of Science in Mathematics. Online students learn about the theory of functions of complex variables. They’ll better understand the properties of complex numbers, analytic functions, and their power series expansions.
- University of Houston | Master of Arts in Mathematics. The coursework of this program includes the history of math, abstract algebra, and differential equations. The master’s has a 33-semester-hour requirement, and the GRE is waived.
Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees
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Best Online Master’s Degrees
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Most In-Demand Math Jobs With an Online Math Degree
| Math Job | Required Education | Job Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematician | Master’s degree | 33% growth |
| Statistician | Master’s degree | 33% growth |
| Data Scientist | Master’s degree | 22% growth |
| Economist | Master’s degree | 13% growth |
| Financial Analysts | Bachelor’s degree | 6% growth |
Best Jobs With an Online Math Degree Explained
The best jobs with an online math degree are mathematicians, statisticians, financial analysts, economists, and data scientists. You’re not limited to just one industry, those who study math degrees can also go into actuarial science, academia, engineering, and teaching.
Is an Online Math Degree Worth It?
Yes, an online math degree is worth it. Professionals with a math degree can work in various industries. They can interpret data and use it to help organizations make sound business decisions. A degree in math teaches you to become a problem solver as you look at trends and use logical reasoning to analyze them.
You can become a data scientist, financial analyst, economist, statistician, and mathematician. You can get an online math degree by applying to colleges and then start by studying for an Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics.
Additional Reading About Math
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Cheapest Online Math Degrees FAQ
The cheapest way to get a degree online is to earn an associate degree at a community college since the tuition is much cheaper than a four-year university, or even free through certain government programs. You can then transfer to a four-year university for the last two years of your bachelor’s degree. Be sure to apply for financial aid to partially or fully cover tuition and fees, depending on what you qualify for.
Yes, you can earn a mathematics degree online for free, depending on several factors. You can apply for federal grants, work programs, and scholarships. The variables that are factored into whether or not you can earn your degree for free depend on the school you attend, whether it’s accredited, and how much financial aid you qualify for.
Yes, math majors make big money. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, they can earn from $81,410 to $131,490. The salary depends on your job position, the company you work for, and your location.
Yes, mathematicians are in demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, mathematicians have a 33 percent job growth outlook from 2020 to 2030, which is much faster than average. Mathematicians are needed in fields like education, healthcare, research, and development.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
