Western Illinois University’s Online Master of Science in Mathematics program has received national recognition, being ranked the second most affordable online master’s degree in mathematics in the nation for 2026 by OnlineU. The program also earned a 91% recommendation rate.
The ranking is featured in OnlineU’s 2026 Most Affordable Online Master’s Degrees in Mathematics, which assesses institutions based on tuition cost and student feedback.
Kristin Brown, a WIU mathematics graduate student, highlighted the program’s value, especially for those preparing for advanced study. “While researching online mathematics graduate programs, I was looking for rigorous programs at an affordable rate,” Ms. Brown said. “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 offers two online graduate programs in mathematics — the M.S. in mathematics and the M.S. in teaching mathematics.
The department has seen a significant rise in domestic out-of-state inquiries this academic year. This spring, the programs enrolled out-of-state students from New York, California and Maryland for the first time, reflecting an expanded national reach.
The WIU online math program is designed to provide advanced study through a flexible, fully online format, catering to both in-state and out-of-state students seeking an affordable, high-quality graduate education.
Maral Tajova, a 2025 alumna, credited the program with enhancing her career prospects. “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,” Ms. Tajova 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.”
She also praised the supportive culture. “The math department has a unique culture where every professor truly knows their students and is invested in their success,” she said.
For more information about the online program at WIU, visit wiu.edu/cas/math/graduate.
