University News

WIU's Online M.S. in Mathematics Ranked Second Most Affordable in the Nation

February 18, 2026

Share Printer friendly version

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL — Western Illinois University has received national recognition for its Online Master of Science in Mathematics program. The program has been ranked the second most affordable online master's degree in mathematics in the nation for 2026 by OnlineU and earned a 91% recommendation rate.

The recognition appears in OnlineU's 2026 Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Mathematics, which evaluates institutions based on tuition affordability and student feedback.

"While researching online mathematics graduate programs, I was looking for rigorous programs at an affordable rate. I found several options that were fully online, but Western Illinois was my top choice to prepare for a PhD program and a professorship. As an out-of-state student, it is fortunate that WIU offers the same affordable tuition rate to all U.S. students," WIU Mathematics Graduate Student Kristin Brown said.

WIU offers two online graduate programs in mathematics - the M.S. in Mathematics and the MS in Teaching Mathematics - and has seen a significant increase in domestic out‑of‑state inquiries during the current academic year. This spring, the math programs enrolled out-of-state students from New York, California and Maryland for the first time, reflecting their expanded national reach and growing interest in the fully online degree options.

The Online M.S. in Mathematics at WIU is designed to provide advanced study in mathematics through a flexible, fully online format, serving both in-state and out-of-state students seeking a high-quality and affordable graduate education.

"My first real exposure to data happened during the program, and it opened my eyes to how powerfully mathematics connects to real‑world problem solving," WIU Alumna Maral Tajova (‘25) said. "The modeling and statistics courses were truly transformative. They sharpened my analytical thinking and gave me the confidence I needed in interviews, ultimately helping me land my job.

"I'm very grateful to my professors for staying in touch and supporting me whenever I need guidance. The math department has a unique culture where every professor truly knows their students and is invested in their success. That mentorship has made a lasting impact on me."

For more information about the Online M.S. in Mathematics at WIU, visit wiu.edu/cas/math/graduate.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing