2012 QuantNet Ranking of Best MFE Programs

QuantNet 2012 Ranking Badge SVG

The QuantNet ranking of Financial Engineering, Mathematical, and Quantitative Finance master's programs in the US offers detailed insights into placement and admission statistics from the nation's top programs. It serves as the ultimate guide for prospective applicants, helping them choose and enroll in the best master’s programs in quantitative finance.

Carnegie Mellon University - MS in Computational Finance

Carnegie Mellon University

New York, NY 10005 | Pittsburgh, PA 15213 MS in Computational Finance
1
Total Score
95
The Carnegie Mellon University's Master of Science in Computational Finance (MSCF) is a 16-month financial engineering degree developed through the joint venture of Department of Mathematical Sciences, Department of Statistics and Data Science, Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy and the Tepper School of Business. Application Deadline: Dec 1 (round 1), Mar 1 (round 2)

MSCF: The most well-rounded quant program
I came to the program with no full time working experience and academical (but less practical) knowledge mainly in Math and Econ. This program helped me become technically ready for most quant jobs and taught me how to communicate effectively. Here are reasons I think... (more)
- Class of 2026
4.70 star(s) 54 reviews
Pending 14 Waitlisted 3 Accepted 414 Rejected 434
Tuition
$73,800
Enrollment
90 FT
Acceptance rate
12.7%
Undergrad GPA
Employment Rate
At Graduation
80.4%
After 3 months
92.2%
Compensation
Base
$96,183
Visit program's website
Princeton University - Master in Finance

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ 08544 Master in Finance
2
Total Score
92
The Princeton University Master in Finance (MFin) program is offered by the Bendheim Center for Finance. Established in 1999, this two-year program begins each fall. Application Deadline: Dec 15

Great university and program
I’ll divide this review into two parts — the recruitment side (career services) and the academic environment. Recruitment Side: The career services team does a solid job. They bring a lot of companies to campus throughout the year, and even outside the MFin program... (more)
- Class of 2026
4.88 star(s) 8 reviews
Pending 9 Waitlisted 2 Accepted 71 Rejected 291
Tuition
$81,000
Enrollment
27 FT
Acceptance rate
4.9%
Undergrad GPA
Employment Rate
At Graduation
95%
After 3 months
100%
Compensation
Base
$120,000
Visit program's website
Columbia University - Masters in Financial Engineering

Columbia University

New York, NY 10027 Masters in Financial Engineering
3
Total Score
91
Launched in 2002, Columbia University's Master in Financial Engineering (MFE) program is offered by the Industrial Engineering and Operations Research Department under The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science. This one-year, full-time program, starts in the fall semester. Application Deadline: Jan 15

  • Anonymous
  • 4.00 star(s)
Good Program, some things could be better
I will structure this review into the following categories: students, classroom instruction, program resources, and career training. Students: Given that the program has a 10% acceptance rate, the students that are accepted are necessarily the best of the best. Many... (more)
- Class of 2024
3.31 star(s) 16 reviews
Pending 14 Waitlisted 8 Accepted 411 Rejected 493
Tuition
$52,992
Enrollment
79 FT
Acceptance rate
11.7%
Undergrad GPA
Employment Rate
At Graduation
94%
After 3 months
100%
Compensation
Base
$91,000
Visit program's website
New York University - MS in Mathematics in Finance

New York University

New York, NY 10012 MS in Mathematics in Finance
4
Total Score
88
The New York University's MS in Mathematics in Finance program is offered by NYU’s Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences. This three-semester program starts in the Fall semester. Application Deadline: Feb 8

Time consuming.
I chose NYU’s MSFM program over Columbia’s MAFN, now I feel some regret I come from a math and econ background, I had prepared myself thoroughly before entering the program, stochastic calculus, machine learning, regression analysis, statistics, programming, CTA... (more)
- Class of 2026
4.42 star(s) 12 reviews
Pending 2 Waitlisted 0 Accepted 213 Rejected 296
Tuition
$49,752
Enrollment
62 FT
Acceptance rate
7.1%
Undergrad GPA
Employment Rate
At Graduation
90%
After 3 months
96%
Compensation
Base
$90,000
Visit program's website
Baruch College - Master in Financial Engineering

Baruch College

New York, NY 10010 Master in Financial Engineering
5
Total Score
86
The Baruch College's Master of Financial Engineering (MFE) program is offered by the Math Department under the Weissman School of Arts and Sciences. This three-semester program starts in the Fall semester. Application Deadline: Nov 1 (round 1), Dec 1 (round 2), Jan 15 (round 3), Mar 15 (round 4)

Program of Great Value
My experience with Baruch MFE so far is amazing. This is a very friendly and supportive community where everyone helps each other. The students are incredibly smart, and I’ve learned so much not just from the courses, but also from my classmates. The career service is... (more)
- Class of 2024
4.94 star(s) 31 reviews
Pending 20 Waitlisted 0 Accepted 230 Rejected 386
Tuition
$32,040
Enrollment
31 FT
Acceptance rate
5.8%
Undergrad GPA
Employment Rate
At Graduation
86%
After 3 months
100%
Compensation
Base
$94,000
Visit program's website
Stanford University - Mathematical and Computational Finance

Stanford University

Stanford, CA 94305 Mathematical and Computational Finance
6
Total Score
84
Application Deadline: January 31, 2025

0.00 star(s) 0 reviews
Pending 1 Waitlisted 0 Accepted 27 Rejected 141
Tuition
$53,400
Enrollment
13 FT
Acceptance rate
6.6%
Undergrad GPA
Employment Rate
At Graduation
100%
After 3 months
100%
Compensation
Base
$120,000
Visit program's website
University of California, Berkeley - Master of Financial Engineering

University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley, CA 94720 Master of Financial Engineering
7
Total Score
80
The UC Berkeley Master of Financial Engineering (MFE) program is offered by the Berkeley Haas School of Business. Established in 2000, this one-year program commences each spring. Application Deadline: Jan 16 (round 1), Apr 1 (round 2), Jun 5 (round 3), Oct 1 (round 4)

Getting Better
It is intense, fast-paced, and rewards those who come prepared. Internship and Recruiting Landscape: Because the program starts in spring, the traditional fall internship cycle overlaps with coursework, which can limit opportunities. However, the summer internship path... (more)
- Class of 2026
4.16 star(s) 43 reviews
Pending 1 Waitlisted 12 Accepted 243 Rejected 153
Tuition
$54,950
Enrollment
68 FT
Acceptance rate
21.8%
Undergrad GPA
Employment Rate
At Graduation
87%
After 3 months
97%
Compensation
Base
$101,125
Visit program's website
Columbia University - MA in Mathematics of Finance (MAFN)

Columbia University

New York, NY 10027 MA in Mathematics of Finance (MAFN)
8
Total Score
76
The Master of Arts in Mathematical Finance (MAFN) program is offered jointly by the Department of Mathematics and Department of Statistics at Columbia University. The program can be completed in two or three semesters for full-time students. Application Deadline: May 1

  • Anonymous
  • 5.00 star(s)
Outstanding - the best of the best.
Faculty and colleagues are second to none. Period. Solid and rigorous mathematics. Not for the timid. Students from all over the globe. Visiting professors are top-flight. Albert Shiryaev told stories of Kolmogorov. Derman, Karatzas, Protter, Smirnov, etc. are... (more)
- Class of 2004
4.65 star(s) 17 reviews
Pending 5 Waitlisted 0 Accepted 266 Rejected 186
Tuition
$38,614
Enrollment
95 FT
Acceptance rate
12.0%
Undergrad GPA
Employment Rate
At Graduation
81%
After 3 months
95%
Compensation
Base
$89,000
Visit program's website
Cornell University - Master in Financial Engineering

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY 14850 Master in Financial Engineering
9
Total Score
73
The Cornell University's Master in Financial Engineering program is offered by School of Operations Research and Information Engineering (ORIE) under Cornell Engineering. Established in 2006, this three-semester program starts in the Fall semester in Ithaca, upstate NY with the last semester in New York City. Application Deadline: Dec 1

  • Anonymous
  • 3.00 star(s)
A Costly Investment with Mixed Returns: Weighing the Real Value of the Program
Pursuing this degree is a significant investment—both financially and in terms of time. Given the high cost, I strongly recommend that anyone considering this program be extremely diligent and clear about their goals before enrolling. Some classes genuinely provide the... (more)
- Class of 2024
4.44 star(s) 9 reviews
Pending 5 Waitlisted 0 Accepted 332 Rejected 264
Tuition
$61,987
Enrollment
54 FT
Acceptance rate
19.0%
Undergrad GPA
Employment Rate
At Graduation
76%
After 3 months
91%
Compensation
Base
$90,000
Visit program's website
Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Master of Finance

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, MA 02139 Master of Finance
10
Total Score
62
Established in 2008, the MIT Master in Finance (MFin) program is a 18-month, full-time program starting in the summer, offered by the Sloan School of Management. Application Deadline: Jan 5

Pre-experience Business School
To give a summary of the program's main features and bugs: Good: - Highly flexible. You can truly do whatever you want with this degree -- whether you want it to be completely quant focused, or basically an MBA. - Extremely sharp cohort. Many of your classmates will... (more)
- Class of 2026
3.81 star(s) 27 reviews
Pending 7 Waitlisted 2 Accepted 219 Rejected 394
Tuition
$73,800
Enrollment
73 FT
Acceptance rate
11.3%
Undergrad GPA
Employment Rate
At Graduation
80%
After 3 months
100%
Compensation
Base
$79,571
Visit program's website
University of California, Los Angeles - Master of Financial Engineering

University of California, Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA 90095 Master of Financial Engineering
10
Total Score
61
Launched in 2009, the UCLA Master of Financial Engineering (MFE) program at the Anderson School of Management is a comprehensive 15-months, quarter-based full-time program starting each fall. Application Deadline: Dec 31 (round 1), Mar 1 (round 2), Apr 30 (round 3)

Great school, great people, don't come here though
Graduating soon but I’m going to try to give an in-depth and honest review of the program for the incoming applicants. I am generally happy with my own outcome at UCLA and I emphasize this to point out my review is not an expression of personal frustration. I am... (more)
- Class of 2025
4.26 star(s) 46 reviews
Pending 3 Waitlisted 1 Accepted 185 Rejected 82
Enrollment
40 FT
Acceptance rate
19.9%
Undergrad GPA
Employment Rate
At Graduation
70%
After 3 months
86%
Compensation
Base
$98,000
Visit program's website
University of Chicago - MS in Financial Mathematics

University of Chicago

Chicago, IL 60637 MS in Financial Mathematics
12
Total Score
59
The University of Chicago's Master in Financial Mathematics (MSFM) program is offered by the Department of Mathematics under the Physical Sciences Division. Launched in 1996, this three-semester program starts each Fall semester. Full-time, part-time in person and online programs are available. Application Deadline: Jan 8 (round 1), Mar 26 (round 2)

  • Anonymous
  • 5.00 star(s)
A Rigorous Program at the Intersection of Finance, Data, and Industry
The program is both rigorous and flexible, offering cross-listed courses from the Economics Department and Booth School of Business. The diverse cohort—including mature students—adds depth to discussions, while capstone projects with industry partners provide real-world... (more)
- Class of 2022
4.71 star(s) 52 reviews
Pending 3 Waitlisted 8 Accepted 452 Rejected 256
Tuition
$67,338
Enrollment
109 FT
Acceptance rate
22.0%
Employment Rate
At Graduation
44%
After 3 months
44%
Compensation
Base
$77,000
Visit program's website
~ Rutgers University - MS in Mathematical Finance

~ Rutgers University

Piscataway, NJ 08854 MS in Mathematical Finance
12
Total Score
59

The program is strong. Students are expected to take two courses each of stochastic calculus, numerical analysis, and statistics (regression and time series analysis). These courses are very rigorous. But it is not all theory. Many elective courses are taught by current... (more)
4.13 star(s) 8 reviews
Pending 0 Waitlisted 0 Accepted 88 Rejected 32
Tuition
$49,648
Acceptance rate
15.2%
Undergrad GPA
Employment Rate
Compensation
Visit program's website
Georgia Institute of Technology - MS in Quantitative and Computational Finance

Georgia Institute of Technology

Atlanta, GA 30332 MS in Quantitative and Computational Finance
14
Total Score
57
The Master of Science in Quantitative and Computational Finance (QCF) program is an interdisciplinary education between the Scheller College of Business, H. Milton Steward School of Industrial & Systems Engineering and School of Mathematics. Application Deadline: Oct 1 (Spring), Mar 15 (Fall)

Probably the best choice if you can't go to the top 4
Qcf went up to top 8 this year on quantnet, which made it highly competitive for 2025 fall. Of course, you can't rely on the career service to get an amazing offer from a hedge fund, but it's good enough for most people in this hard time. (more)
- Class of 2025
4.00 star(s) 12 reviews
Pending 9 Waitlisted 0 Accepted 236 Rejected 159
Tuition
$50,313
Enrollment
50 FT
Acceptance rate
21.0%
Undergrad GPA
Employment Rate
At Graduation
79%
After 3 months
94%
Compensation
Base
$80,000
Visit program's website
University of Toronto - Master of Mathematical Finance

University of Toronto

Toronto, Canada Master of Mathematical Finance
14
Total Score
57
Application Deadline: Dec 14

Top in Canada. Doesn't target quant jobs, because of the Toronto market
The MMF program at U of T is undeniably one of the top two quantitative finance programs in Canada (the other being MQF at Waterloo). The format of the program is one fall semester followed by an internship in the winter and ends with a summer semester. The curriculum... (more)
- Class of 2019
4.33 star(s) 6 reviews
Pending 3 Waitlisted 0 Accepted 100 Rejected 75
Tuition
C$40,000
Enrollment
30 FT
Acceptance rate
14.0%
Undergrad GPA
Employment Rate
At Graduation
75%
After 3 months
100%
Compensation
Base
C$76,000
Visit program's website
~ University of Michigan - Master in Financial Engineering

~ University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, MI Master in Financial Engineering
16
Total Score
50

Strengths: The program has a strong mathematics portion. The University of Michigan has a great reputation however not very many people have heard of the MFE program. If you do go to this program and need advice ask Reza Kamaly as he is one of the few financial... (more)
3.20 star(s) 5 reviews
Pending 0 Waitlisted 0 Accepted 43 Rejected 20
Tuition
$61,002
Employment Rate
Compensation
Visit program's website
Boston University - MS in Mathematical Finance and Financial Technology

Boston University

Boston, MA 02215 MS in Mathematical Finance and Financial Technology
17
Total Score
46
The three-semester program is offered by Boston University's Questrom School of Business. Application Deadline: Oct 27 (round 1), Jan 12 (round 2), Feb 17 (round 3), Apr 7 (round 4)

A Great Math Finance Program
The program offers a well-balanced curriculum that includes both rigorous classical theories and practical applications. Faculty members come from both academic and industry backgrounds, so students can build a strong theoretical foundation and also get valuable... (more)
- Class of 2022
3.73 star(s) 15 reviews
Pending 3 Waitlisted 0 Accepted 231 Rejected 116
Tuition
$58,971
Enrollment
45 FT
Acceptance rate
14.0%
Undergrad GPA
Employment Rate
Compensation
Visit program's website
NYU Tandon School of Engineering - MS in Financial Engineering

NYU Tandon School of Engineering

Brooklyn, NY 11201 MS in Financial Engineering
17
Total Score
46
The Master of Science in Financial Engieering (MSFE) program is offered by the Financial Risk Engineering (FRE) department of NYU Tandon School of Engineering. This 4-semester program starts in mid-August with the Pre-program bootcamp prior to the Fall semester. Application Deadline: Feb 15

Great Career Placement & Alumni Network
I actually come from a DS background rather than a traditional quant path, and the NYU MFE program turned out to be an incredibly valuable experience for me, which might be helpful to students with similar profiles who want to explore data science roles within the... (more)
- Class of 2024
3.54 star(s) 35 reviews
Pending 3 Waitlisted 3 Accepted 338 Rejected 166
Tuition
$43,446
Enrollment
100 FT
Acceptance rate
26.1%
Undergrad GPA
Employment Rate
At Graduation
38%
After 3 months
85%
Compensation
Base
$70,000
Visit program's website
North Carolina State University - Master in Financial Mathematics

North Carolina State University

Raleigh, NC 27695 Master in Financial Mathematics
19
Total Score
39
The North Carolina State University (NCSU) Master of Financial Mathematics (MFM) program is offered by the Department of Mathematics in the College of Sciences. Established in 2003, this three-semester program begins each fall. Application Deadline: Jul 15 (Spring), Mar 1 (Fall)

NCSU Master of Financial Mathematics
When entering a financial engineering or mathematics program, many students aspire to become quantitative researchers or traders. While this is a reasonable goal, I've learned it's important to understand what each program specifically prepares you for. NCSU's MFM... (more)
- Class of 2025
4.46 star(s) 28 reviews
Pending 2 Waitlisted 0 Accepted 107 Rejected 23
Enrollment
30 FT
Acceptance rate
44.7%
Undergrad GPA
Employment Rate
At Graduation
30%
After 3 months
80%
Compensation
Visit program's website
Claremont Graduate University - MS in Financial Engineering

Claremont Graduate University

Claremont, CA 91711 MS in Financial Engineering
20
Total Score
34
Application Deadline: Jul 5

CGU MSFE is very Flexible
I'll be done with my coursework for the MSFE program after Summer 2025. I thought I would share my pros and cons about the program. Pros: - Smaller class size One of the main reasons I leaned toward CGU is the low student-faculty ratio. In all the classes I took, I... (more)
- Class of 2025
3.50 star(s) 12 reviews
Pending 0 Waitlisted 0 Accepted 22 Rejected 1
Tuition
$75,888
Enrollment
47 FT
Acceptance rate
70.1%
Undergrad GPA
Employment Rate
At Graduation
5%
After 3 months
45%
Compensation
Base
$80,200
Visit program's website
~ Illinois Institute of Technology - Master in Mathematical Finance

~ Illinois Institute of Technology

Chicago, IL 60616 Master in Mathematical Finance
21
Total Score
33

A program always make you believe you will perform better in Quant World!(2011.08 – 2013.05) What do you think is unique about this program? The program’s curriculum has a great combined flavor from theoretical perspective and practical projects. From theoretical SIDE... (more)
4.33 star(s) 6 reviews
Pending 0 Waitlisted 0 Accepted 22 Rejected 1
Tuition
$49,104
Enrollment
32 FT
Acceptance rate
40.8%
Undergrad GPA
Employment Rate
Compensation
Visit program's website
2012 Rankings Methodology
Back
Top Bottom