Top U.S. Universities for a Master’s in Mathematics & Applied Mathematics

Jul 9, 2025 - 11:33
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Top U.S. Universities for a Master’s in Mathematics & Applied Mathematics

Pursuing an advanced degree in mathematics or applied mathematics in the U.S. can be a transformative step for your career. Whether your goal is academia, data science, finance, or tech, choosing the right program matters. This guide highlights some of the top MS in Maths Universities in United States, with insights compiled by the expert team at ApplyBuds to help you make informed choices.

1. Johns Hopkins University

  • Location: Baltimore, MD

  • Why it stands out: High research output, excellent faculty, and top post-grad salaries (~$121K) make it a leader in applied mathematics education.

2. University of Pennsylvania (UPenn)

  • Location: Philadelphia, PA

  • Strengths: An Ivy League education with strong mathematical modeling and analytics focus.

3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

  • Location: Cambridge, MA

  • Highlights: Globally recognized for excellence in both theoretical and applied mathematics, with faculty at the cutting edge of research.

4. University of Chicago

  • Location: Chicago, IL

  • Value-add: A rigorous curriculum with solid placement opportunities in finance and data-driven industries.

5. Washington University in St. Louis

  • Location: St. Louis, MO

  • Advantages: Known for interdisciplinary programs and strong mentoring for graduate students.

6. Brown University

  • Location: Providence, RI

  • Standouts: Offers flexibility in curriculum and a collaborative research environment ideal for applied mathematics.

7. Boston University

  • Location: Boston, MA

  • Highlights: Proximity to the Boston tech and academic ecosystem opens doors to internships and industry connections.

8. Columbia University

  • Location: New York, NY

  • Why it matters: Positioned in NYC, Columbia offers access to diverse industries and research institutes like Courant.

9. New York University (NYU) Courant Institute

  • Location: New York, NY

  • Best part: Globally ranked for applied mathematics, Courant is known for research in computation, PDEs, and finance.

10. Northwestern University

  • Location: Evanston, IL

  • Appeal: Offers strong analytical training and exposure to real-world applications.

1114: More Excellent Choices

  • Vanderbilt University Strong post-grad salary outcomes and research programs.

  • Carnegie Mellon University Exceptional for computational math and analytics.

  • University of Notre Dame & Boston College Great options with good alumni networks and academic rigor.

Honorable Mentions

Other leading MS in Maths Universities in United States include UC Berkeley, USC, UMD-College Park, Northeastern, UW-Seattle, and Stevens Institute of Technology each known for their applied math faculties and graduate outcomes.

Global Rankings Snapshot

Top global institutions for mathematicslike MIT, Harvard, Stanford, Princeton, and University of Michigancontinue to dominate in applied math and offer world-class master's programs.

How to Choose the Right University

  1. Career goals: Choose a program that aligns with your professional interestsbe it theoretical research or practical analytics.

  2. Flexibility: Some programs offer a customizable curriculum, ideal for students exploring interdisciplinary paths.

  3. Location matters: Being close to tech hubs or financial centers can create valuable internship and networking opportunities.

  4. ROI: Evaluate tuition fees against placement rates and starting salaries.

Final Thoughts

With so many outstanding MS in Maths Universities in United States, its crucial to do your research and find the right fit. The team at ApplyBuds recommends starting your preparation early, crafting strong applications, and reaching out to alumni or faculty when possible. Rememberyour graduate school choice can shape not just your next two years, but your entire career trajectory.

applybuds ApplyBuds has helped students find their perfect fit programs, and build their admissions applications. Engage in one-on-one discussions with our mentors Receive personalized assistance tailored to your specific goals, chosen destination, and course of study.