Best Actuarial Science Programs

Check out our ranking of the best schools for actuarial science. Consider programs that include classes in math, statistics, and business.

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Updated December 18, 2024

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With the help of a degree in actuarial science, you can earn a strong salary, see above average job growth, and employ your analytical and data science skills. If you’re looking to go into the finance or the insurance industries, you should consider applying to the best schools for actuarial science.

Actuaries use math and statistics to analyze the financial cost of risk and uncertainty and use financial theory to assess the risk of potential events. They then inform clients and companies of ways or policies they can implement to mitigate those risks.

You should look for actuarial science programs that offer classes in math, finance, statistics, data analytics, computer skills, and communication skills.

You should also consider seeking out supplemental professional development support — the best schools for actuarial science can include internships and professional networking services to prepare students.

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In this Article

Best Actuarial Science Programs

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.

How We Rank Schools

To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.

To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:

Affordability (30%)
Student outcomes (30%)
Reputation (20%)
Diversity and social mobility (20%)

In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.

New York University

New York, NY4 yearCampus + Online

$50,684

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$50,684

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

16%

Acceptance Rate

10%

Online Enrollment

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Semester
In State | $29,906
Out of State | $29,906

Credits to Graduate
128

Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A

A top-ranked private college located in Manhattan, NYU offers one of New York's best bachelor's in actuarial science programs. The school's BS in business with a concentration in actuarial science trains students to identify and assess risk. The curriculum prepares candidates to sit for several certification exams offered through the Society of Actuaries and the Casualty Actuarial Society.

Prospective NYU students can submit their application through the Common App. The application also requires undergraduate grades and any previous undergraduate coursework. The school does not require SAT or ACT scores.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$33,408

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$33,408

Retention Rate

94%

Students Enrolled

52,885

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$50,684

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$50,684

New York University

New York, NY4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$50,684

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$50,684

Acceptance Rate

16%

Online Enrollment

10%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$33,408

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$33,408

Retention Rate

94%

Students Enrolled

52,885

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Semester
In State | $29,906
Out of State | $29,906

Credits to Graduate
128

Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A

Brigham Young University

Provo, UT4 yearCampus

$5,790

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,790

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

67%

Acceptance Rate

12%

Online Enrollment

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $331 (Latter-day Saint), $662 (Non-Latter-day Saint)
Out of State | N/A

Credits to Graduate
120

Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A

A private college affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, BYU offers one of Utah's top bachelor's in actuarial science programs. Actuary students gain comprehensive skills in statistics and risk modeling, with common course offerings including actuarial problems and big data science. Candidates can also complete an actuarial internship in a professional environment.

Program applicants must hold a high school diploma. BYU does not require ACT or SAT scores through winter 2024. Applicants must also submit letters of recommendation, an ecclesiastical endorsement, and multiple admissions essays.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,290

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$7,290

Retention Rate

90%

Students Enrolled

34,318

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,790

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$5,790

Brigham Young University

Provo, UT4 yearCampus

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,790

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$5,790

Acceptance Rate

67%

Online Enrollment

12%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,290

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$7,290

Retention Rate

90%

Students Enrolled

34,318

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $331 (Latter-day Saint), $662 (Non-Latter-day Saint)
Out of State | N/A

Credits to Graduate
120

Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A

CUNY Bernard M Baruch College

New York, NY4 yearCampus

$6,930

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$14,880

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

43%

Acceptance Rate

Online Enrollment

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $305
Out of State | $620

Credits to Graduate
120

Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A

A member of the City University of New York system, Baruch operates a main campus in Manhattan. The school's bachelor's in actuarial science explores mathematical and statistical concepts in relation to the insurance industry. Students complete courses such as theory of interest, short-term insurance math, and mathematics of inferential statistics.

The college's admissions department evaluates both high school GPA and curriculum rigor. Applicants can also submit a college essay and optional letters of recommendation. Baruch does not require SAT or ACT scores through spring 2023.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,090

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$20,520

Retention Rate

89%

Students Enrolled

18,679

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,930

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,880

CUNY Bernard M Baruch College

New York, NY4 yearCampus

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,930

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,880

Acceptance Rate

43%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,090

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$20,520

Retention Rate

89%

Students Enrolled

18,679

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $305
Out of State | $620

Credits to Graduate
120

Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI4 yearCampus + Online

$9,273

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$36,333

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

54%

Acceptance Rate

18%

Online Enrollment

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $498
Out of State | $1,691

Credits to Graduate
120

Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A

Wisconsin's flagship public college, UW offers a top-ranked bachelor's in actuarial science program. This interdisciplinary degree combines knowledge from a variety of fields including economics, statistics, and computer science. Typical course topics include loss models, linear algebra, and data science programming.

Program applicants must apply to UW's School of Business before enrolling in the actuarial science program. Students must hold at least 24 UW credits (either completed or in-progress) with a minimum 2.75 GPA.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,728

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$24,054

Retention Rate

95%

Students Enrolled

44,257

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,273

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$36,333

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,273

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$36,333

Acceptance Rate

54%

Online Enrollment

18%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,728

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$24,054

Retention Rate

95%

Students Enrolled

44,257

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $498
Out of State | $1,691

Credits to Graduate
120

Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A

University of California-Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA4 yearCampus

$11,442

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$41,196

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

30%

Acceptance Rate

Online Enrollment

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Semester
In State | $3,976
Out of State | $15,347

Credits to Graduate
N/A

Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A

A top-ranked California public college, UC Santa Barbara hosts one of the state's best bachelor's in actuarial science programs. Degree candidates receive broad training in math and statistics, including preparation for industry-standard actuary certification exams.

Undergraduate applicants must hold a high school diploma with a minimum 3.0 GPA. The actuarial science program recommends students complete two years of algebra, plane geometry, and trigonometry while still in high school. UC Santa Barbara does not require SAT or ACT scores.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,442

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,544

Retention Rate

92%

Students Enrolled

26,314

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,442

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$41,196

University of California-Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA4 yearCampus

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,442

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$41,196

Acceptance Rate

30%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,442

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,544

Retention Rate

92%

Students Enrolled

26,314

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Semester
In State | $3,976
Out of State | $15,347

Credits to Graduate
N/A

Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A

University of Central Florida

Orlando, FL4 yearCampus + Online

$4,478

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$19,810

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

44%

Acceptance Rate

59%

Online Enrollment

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $212
Out of State | $749

Credits to Graduate
120

Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A

One of Florida's major public colleges, UCF offers a top-rated bachelor's in actuarial science program. Candidates gain a broad understanding of actuarial risk assessment. They complete courses including matrix and linear algebra, life contingencies, and introduction to derivative markets. The curriculum may also include internship or co-op experiences with departmental approval.

Undergraduate applicants must submit high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores. While not required, UCF strongly encourages applicants to complete an optional admissions essay.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,916

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,759

Retention Rate

91%

Students Enrolled

69,402

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,478

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,810

University of Central Florida

Orlando, FL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,478

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,810

Acceptance Rate

44%

Online Enrollment

59%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,916

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,759

Retention Rate

91%

Students Enrolled

69,402

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $212
Out of State | $749

Credits to Graduate
120

Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A

Undergraduate applicants must submit high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores. While not required, UCF strongly encourages applicants to complete an optional admissions essay.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL4 yearCampus + Online

$14,188

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$33,127

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

59%

Acceptance Rate

39%

Online Enrollment

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Year
In State | $12,474
Out of State | $30,446

Credits to Graduate
120

Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A

One of Illinois' major public colleges, U of I offers a top bachelor's in actuarial science program. Students explore topics in statistics, mathematics, and economics. They can receive additional support through the school's Milliman mentorship program. Degree candidates choose from four concentration tracks: life and annuities, finance and investment, property and casualty, and predictive analytics.

Applicants must submit high school transcripts. Students can also submit optional SAT or ACT scores.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,997

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,404

Retention Rate

93%

Students Enrolled

51,605

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$14,188

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$33,127

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$14,188

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$33,127

Acceptance Rate

59%

Online Enrollment

39%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,997

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,404

Retention Rate

93%

Students Enrolled

51,605

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Year
In State | $12,474
Out of State | $30,446

Credits to Graduate
120

Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A

Applicants must submit high school transcripts. Students can also submit optional SAT or ACT scores.

Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN4 yearCampus + Online

$9,208

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$28,010

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

60%

Acceptance Rate

22%

Online Enrollment

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $348
Out of State | $948

Credits to Graduate
120

Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A

A public college based in Lafayette, Indiana, Purdue hosts one of the state's best bachelor's in actuarial science programs. Degree candidates gain a strong foundation in math and statistics. They can take courses in elementary linear algebra, financial management, and statistics for risk modeling. Most students pair the actuarial science major with a business management minor.

Purdue applicants must submit high school transcripts and an admissions essay. Applicants may also submit optional SAT or ACT scores.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,208

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,010

Retention Rate

91%

Students Enrolled

45,500

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,208

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,010

Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,208

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,010

Acceptance Rate

60%

Online Enrollment

22%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,208

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,010

Retention Rate

91%

Students Enrolled

45,500

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $348
Out of State | $948

Credits to Graduate
120

Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A

Purdue applicants must submit high school transcripts and an admissions essay. Applicants may also submit optional SAT or ACT scores.

Ohio State University

Columbus, OH4 yearCampus + Online

$10,197

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$31,174

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

54%

Acceptance Rate

34%

Online Enrollment

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $480
Out of State | $1,490

Credits to Graduate
121

Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A

A major public college based in Columbus, Ohio State offers a BA and BS in actuarial science. Students complete courses in topics including probability and statistics, linear algebra, and actuarial mathematics. Candidates can also complete an internship as part of the curriculum, gaining hands-on experience at a professional insurance company.

Bachelor's in actuarial science applicants must submit high school transcripts. SAT or ACT scores are optional through 2023. Applicants may also submit up to two letters of recommendation.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,560

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$35,144

Retention Rate

94%

Students Enrolled

61,391

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,197

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$31,174

Ohio State University

Columbus, OH4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,197

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$31,174

Acceptance Rate

54%

Online Enrollment

34%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,560

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$35,144

Retention Rate

94%

Students Enrolled

61,391

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $480
Out of State | $1,490

Credits to Graduate
121

Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A

Bachelor's in actuarial science applicants must submit high school transcripts. SAT or ACT scores are optional through 2023. Applicants may also submit up to two letters of recommendation.

#10

CUNY Queens College

Queens, NY4 yearCampus + Online

$6,930

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$14,880

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

49%

Acceptance Rate

Online Enrollment

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $305
Out of State | $620

Credits to Graduate
120

Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A

A major New York public college based in Queens, QC offers a bachelor of business administration in actuarial studies. The program builds broad business knowledge and specialized actuarial skills. Typical courses include methods of math statistics, business law, and mathematics of finance. Candidates can also complete internships in the New York area.

Applicants to the bachelor's in actuarial science must submit high school transcripts. The school does not require SAT or ACT scores through spring 2023.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,090

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$20,520

Retention Rate

82%

Students Enrolled

19,923

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,930

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,880

CUNY Queens College

Queens, NY4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,930

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,880

Acceptance Rate

49%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,090

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$20,520

Retention Rate

82%

Students Enrolled

19,923

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

On Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $305
Out of State | $620

Credits to Graduate
120

Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A

Applicants to the bachelor's in actuarial science must submit high school transcripts. The school does not require SAT or ACT scores through spring 2023.

Popular Coursework for a Bachelor’s in Actuarial Science Program

The typical entry-level education requirement to become an actuary is to obtain your bachelor’s degree. To earn your degree and become an actuary, you will need a strong background in math, statistics, and business. Keep in mind — you’ll likely also need to pass a series of exams to be certified as an actuary.

Classes may vary by college or university, but the best schools for actuarial science generally include the following.

Mathematics of Investment
This course will discuss topics such as debt instruments, mortgages, bonds, debt immunization, and yield rates on leasing. Students may look at case studies that exemplify these terms.
Theory of Interest
In this course, you will learn about the time value of money. This includes topics such as loans, interest rate term structure, compounding interest, annuity and bond valuation, and more.
Risk Analytics
Students will receive an introduction to methods for analyzing and modeling risks. Topics will include linear and nonlinear models of assessment, predictive models, and model selection. It will likely build on statistics and math courses.
Intro to Statistics
Most colleges and universities will require you to take an introduction to statistics course (often referred to as stats 101) in order to earn your degree in actuarial science. This foundational course will introduce concepts of probability, variables, and statistics.
Calculus
You will likely have to take certain math classes to fulfill the prerequisites for more advanced actuarial science classes. This can include calculus, which covers variables, functions, curves, and various theorems.

What Can You Do With a Degree in Actuarial Science?

Most actuaries work for insurance companies, or in an office setting. However, some actuaries work as consultants – traveling to meet their clients.

Actuaries can specialize in the following fields of insurance: health insurance, life insurance, or property and casualty insurance. Outside the insurance industry, some actuaries focus on enterprise risk management, pension and retirement benefits, and the public sector.

What industry you work in can determine your salary as an actuary. For example, if you were to become an actuary in the finance or insurance industry, the median annual wage for that occupation is $120,800. According to the BLS, that’s the highest-paying industry for actuaries as of May 2023.

The average median annual wage for actuaries is $120,000. The top-paying states in the U.S. for actuaries are New York, Connecticut, and Kansas. In New York, the annual mean wage is $160,770.

According to BLS data, the states with the highest employment levels of actuaries are New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, New Jersey, and Ohio.

Careers for a Degree in Actuarial Science
Job Title	Median Annual Salary (2023)	Projected Job Growth (2023-2033)
Accountants and Auditors	$79,888	6%
Actuaries	$120,000	22%
Cost Estimators	$74,740	-4%
Financial Analysts	$99,890	9%
Financial Risk Specialists	$106,090	8%
Investment Analysts	$99,010	10%
Insurance Underwriters	$77,860	-4%
Market Research Analysts	$74,680	8%
Operations Research Analysts	$83,640	23%
Personal Financial Advisors	$99,580	17%

Source: BLS

Frequently Asked Questions About Actuarial Science Programs

Are actuaries still in demand?

The actuary science job market is both in demand and growing. The BLS projects actuary careers to grow 22% from 2023-2033, which is much faster than the national average growth rate of 4%.