2016 QuantNet Ranking of Best Financial Engineering Programs

Ranked by QuantNet in October 2015. The most comprehensive 2016 ranking of best Financial Engineering (MFE), Mathematical Finance programs in North America.

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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
100
Peer Score
4.2
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 the Computer Science Department, Department of Mathematical Sciences, Department of Statistics & Data Science and the Tepper School of Business. Application Deadline: Dec 1 (round 1), Mar 1 (round 2)
Reviewed by Verified Member
  • There's a reason this program is ranked so highly
  • Class of 2026
Overall: CMU is all round one of the best programs out there for a reason. While this summer many other programs were struggling really hard to place their students for internships, CMU was one of the few programs that did not have these issues. The program is well known... (more)
4.71 star(s) 55 reviews
Tuition
$80,400
Enrollment
98 FT
Acceptance rate
15.7%
Undergrad GPA
Employment Rate
At Graduation
62%
After 3 months
81%
Compensation
Base
$92,194
Baruch College - Master in Financial Engineering

Baruch College

New York, NY 10010 Master in Financial Engineering
2
Total Score
98
Peer Score
3.9
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)
Reviewed by Verified Member
  • Amazing Program - Got Way More Help Than I Could've Asked For :)
  • Class of 2025
Amazing program! I received so much help from Dan and all the alumni. They're a group of wonderful people that go to great lengths to help their students. I'm also impressed by how much help that alumni provide in my search for a full-time job, not just from Dan and... (more)
4.94 star(s) 34 reviews
Tuition
$35,040
Enrollment
36 FT, 7 PT
Acceptance rate
7.9%
Undergrad GPA
Employment Rate
At Graduation
86%
After 3 months
100%
Compensation
Base
$96,000
Columbia University - Masters in Financial Engineering

Columbia University

2
Total Score
98
Peer Score
4.1
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
  • Good Program, some things could be better
  • Class of 2024
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)
3.31 star(s) 16 reviews
Tuition
$61,560
Enrollment
80 FT
Acceptance rate
10.0%
Undergrad GPA
Employment Rate
At Graduation
88%
After 3 months
99%
Compensation
Base
$90,000
Avg total
University of California, Berkeley - Master of Financial Engineering

University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley, CA 94720 Master of Financial Engineering
2
Total Score
98
Peer Score
4.1
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)
  • Rising again
  • Class of 2026
I had heard mixed things about the career services from the previous batch, and it’s true that after Linda’s departure, the program initially struggled in that area. However, despite those challenges, the prior year's full-time employment results were still quite solid... (more)
4.18 star(s) 44 reviews
Tuition
$63,540
Enrollment
68 FT
Acceptance rate
18.6%
Undergrad GPA
Employment Rate
Compensation
New York University - MS in Mathematics in Finance

New York University

New York, NY 10012 MS in Mathematics in Finance
5
Total Score
97
Peer Score
3.9
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
Reviewed by Verified Member
  • Very selective and rewarding program, help me secure a hedge fund job
  • Class of 2025
The MS in Mathematics in Finance at NYU Courant is an exceptional program that I strongly recommend. Coming from an Ivy League background in mathematics and statistics, I found that this program truly deepened and extended my quantitative foundation into the practical... (more)
4.47 star(s) 15 reviews
Tuition
$58,000
Enrollment
30 FT
Acceptance rate
9.0%
Employment Rate
Compensation
Princeton University - Master in Finance

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ 08544 Master in Finance
5
Total Score
97
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
Reviewed by Verified Member
  • Unique opportunity, best network and academic environment
  • Class of 2024
Princeton’s MFin combines the most attractive features of a top master’s program: a small and highly selected class, the best alumni network and reputation, and a uniquely rich academic environment. The small cohort definitely helps in getting to know each other better... (more)
4.91 star(s) 11 reviews
Tuition
$90,700
Enrollment
26 FT
Acceptance rate
4.9%
Employment Rate
At Graduation
93%
After 3 months
97%
Compensation
Base
$110,000
Columbia University - MA in Mathematics of Finance (MAFN)

Columbia University

7
Total Score
93
Peer Score
3.5
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
  • Good program
  • Class of 2025
I think MAFN is good. The professors are responsible, and they try hard to build networks among alumni. I believe it will rank higher in the next few years. (more)
4.68 star(s) 19 reviews
Tuition
$60,332
Enrollment
97 FT
Acceptance rate
14.1%
Employment Rate
Compensation
Cornell University - Master in Financial Engineering

Cornell University

8
Total Score
87
Peer Score
3.4
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
Reviewed by Verified Member
  • Average Program
  • Class of 2025
Academics: Overall, I would rate the academics as average. You’ll spend your first year on the Ithaca campus taking classes from ORIE department professors. Some of them are excellent, while others are less engaging , so you’ll need to rely heavily on self-study. That... (more)
4.40 star(s) 10 reviews
Tuition
$74,000
Enrollment
93 FT
Acceptance rate
24.0%
Undergrad GPA
Employment Rate
At Graduation
69%
After 3 months
94%
Compensation
Base
$84,000
Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Master of Finance

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, MA 02139 Master of Finance
9
Total Score
85
Peer Score
3.8
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
  • Class of 2026
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)
3.81 star(s) 27 reviews
Tuition
$100,350
Enrollment
121 FT
Acceptance rate
10.0%
Employment Rate
At Graduation
60%
After 3 months
81%
Compensation
Base
$75,255
Avg total
University of Chicago - MS in Financial Mathematics

University of Chicago

Chicago, IL 60637 MS in Financial Mathematics
9
Total Score
85
Peer Score
3.5
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)
  • A Rigorous Program at the Intersection of Finance, Data, and Industry
  • Class of 2022
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)
4.71 star(s) 52 reviews
Tuition
$81,216
Enrollment
75 FT, 4 PT
Acceptance rate
26.1%
Undergrad GPA
Employment Rate
At Graduation
63%
After 3 months
89%
Compensation
Base
$106,143
University of Toronto - Master of Mathematical Finance

University of Toronto

9
Total Score
85
Peer Score
3.1
Application Deadline: Dec 14
Reviewed by Verified Member
  • Strong program with great industry connections and job outcomes
  • Class of 2025
- Landed an internship within 1 month and a full-time job 2 months after graduation. - Course-based program with instructors mostly from the financial industry — they share real-world insights and practical experience. - Valuable guest lectures and alumni sessions that... (more)
4.38 star(s) 8 reviews
Tuition
C$43,000
Enrollment
30 FT
Acceptance rate
12.0%
Employment Rate
Compensation
Boston University - MS in Mathematical Finance and Financial Technology

Boston University

12
Total Score
83
Peer Score
2.9
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)
Reviewed by Verified Member
  • Great program but its rigorous
  • Class of 2025
The pre-term Math/Python camp is extremely important. I’d suggest putting in as much time and effort as possible during that period, because once the semester begins, things move fast and you’re expected to figure most things out on your own. The first semester is quite... (more)
3.69 star(s) 16 reviews
Tuition
$71,133
Enrollment
70 FT
Acceptance rate
19.0%
Undergrad GPA
Employment Rate
Compensation
University of California, Los Angeles - Master of Financial Engineering

University of California, Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA 90095 Master of Financial Engineering
12
Total Score
83
Peer Score
3.2
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
  • Class of 2025
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)
4.26 star(s) 46 reviews
Tuition
$57,268
Enrollment
66 FT
Acceptance rate
13.8%
Undergrad GPA
Employment Rate
At Graduation
63%
After 3 months
93%
Compensation
Base
$85,000
University of Washington - MS Computational Finance & Risk Management

University of Washington

14
Total Score
81
Peer Score
2.6
The Master of Computational Finance and Risk Management (CFRM) program is a degree offered in the University of Washington’s Department of Applied Mathematics. Application Deadline: Jan 30 (campus), May 1 (online)
Reviewed by Verified Member
  • Good Program Positive Feedback - Overall recommendation
  • Class of 2023
Pros - Small class size for both program and department, giving more exposure to professors and other fellows from the program and department - Reasonable curriculum: You will get the standard MFE preparation here - Flexibility of choosing a few electives, even from the... (more)
4.91 star(s) 44 reviews
Tuition
$37,800
Enrollment
70 FT
Acceptance rate
22.1%
Undergrad GPA
Employment Rate
At Graduation
90%
After 3 months
97%
Compensation
Base
$80,000
University of Waterloo - Master of Quantitative Finance

University of Waterloo

14
Total Score
81
Peer Score
2.7
Application Deadline: Jan 6
Reviewed by Verified Member
  • Reputable Sell-side Quant Program in Canada
  • Class of 2025
As mentioned by others, you can learn sophisticated pricing method here, which are still useful, but nowadays seem to be primarily applicable on the sell side due to their explainability. If you are looking for breaking in to buy side, like the pension funds, I would... (more)
4.00 star(s) 7 reviews
Tuition
C$13,500
Enrollment
20 FT
Acceptance rate
15.0%
Employment Rate
Compensation
Base
C$83,600
Georgia Institute of Technology - MS in Quantitative and Computational Finance

Georgia Institute of Technology

16
Total Score
79
Peer Score
2.8
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: Spring: Aug 1 (round 1), Oct 1 (round 2), Fall: Dec 5 (round 1), Mar 15 (round 2), May 1 (round 3)
Reviewed by Verified Member
  • Probably the best choice if you can't go to the top 4
  • Class of 2025
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)
4.00 star(s) 12 reviews
Tuition
$56,067
Enrollment
51 FT
Acceptance rate
16.2%
Employment Rate
At Graduation
71%
After 3 months
95%
Compensation
Base
$71,766
NYU Tandon School of Engineering - MS in Financial Engineering

NYU Tandon School of Engineering

Brooklyn, NY 11201 MS in Financial Engineering
16
Total Score
79
Peer Score
2.7
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
Reviewed by Verified Member
  • Opened Doors I Never Thought Possible
  • Class of 2025
Like many things in life, people can have different opinions about the same experience, and the NYU MFE program is no exception. I can only speak from my own experience. For me personally, the NYU MFE program opened a door that would otherwise have been impossible to... (more)
3.58 star(s) 36 reviews
Tuition
$54,818
Enrollment
115 FT
Acceptance rate
32.0%
Undergrad GPA
Employment Rate
Compensation
Rutgers University - Master of Quantitative Finance

Rutgers University

18
Total Score
77
Peer Score
2.6
The Rutgers Master of Quantitative Finance (MQF) program was founded in 2001 and is housed in Rutgers Business School. The program is three-semester and starts in fall semester. Application Deadline: Nov 1 (Spring), May 15 (Fall)
Reviewed by Verified Member
  • Great, transformational, but can improve
  • Class of 2022
Good things 1. The Program offers diverse choices of subjects that you can tailor for your desired career path. 45 credits are required for graduation, 30 core and 15 elective. The 30 core credits, corresponding to 10 classes, will cover all the basis subjects centering... (more)
4.07 star(s) 14 reviews
Tuition
$56,160
Enrollment
58 FT
Acceptance rate
35.1%
Undergrad GPA
Employment Rate
Compensation
Base
$85,727
~ Rutgers University - MS in Mathematical Finance

~ Rutgers University

Piscataway, NJ 08854 MS in Mathematical Finance
18
Total Score
72
Peer Score
2.6
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
Tuition
$54,000
Employment Rate
Compensation
University of Illinois Urbana Champaign - Master of Financial Engineering

University of Illinois Urbana Champaign

20
Total Score
76
Peer Score
2.7
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) offers a Master of Science in Financial Engineering (MSFE) program through its Gies College of Business in collaboration with the Department of Mathematics and the Department of Statistics. Application Deadline: Dec 1 (round 1), Jan 1 (round 2), Feb 1 (round 3), Mar 1 (round 4), Apr 1 (round 5), Apr 15 (final)
Reviewed by Verified Member
  • Solid Coursework and Responsible Faculty
  • Class of 2025
The MSFE program emphasizes practical, technical skill development, and the program director is highly responsible and supportive of students’ career goals. The existing practicum is valuable, but more opportunities for industry-level projects would make the experience... (more)
4.57 star(s) 42 reviews
Tuition
$55,500
Enrollment
68 FT
Acceptance rate
35.6%
Undergrad GPA
Employment Rate
Compensation
Base
$85,000
Fordham University - MS in Quantitative Finance

Fordham University

New York, NY 10023 MS in Quantitative Finance
21
Total Score
75
Peer Score
2.3
The Master of Science in Quantitative Finance (MSQF) program is offered by Fordham University's Gabelli School of Business. The three-semester program starts in the Fall. Application Deadline: Oct 11 (round 1), Jan 10 (round 2), Mar 21 (round 3), May 2 (round 4), Jun 6 (round 5)
Reviewed by Verified Member
  • Great professors & network
  • Class of 2025
Exceptional faculty with strong industry and academic backgrounds. You get exposure to a prestigious crowd. The professors also teach at other schools like Princeton Columbia and NYU so the level of teaching is on par with the best. (more)
5.00 star(s) 14 reviews
Tuition
$50,875
Undergrad GPA
Employment Rate
At Graduation
69%
After 3 months
83%
Compensation
Base
$83,000
University of Minnesota - Master of Financial Mathematics

University of Minnesota

Minneapolis, MN 55455 Master of Financial Mathematics
22
Total Score
73
Peer Score
2.7
The program is offered by Minnesota Center for Financial and Actuarial Mathematics, a specialized center for quantitive finance within the School of Mathematics. Application Deadline: Feb 1 (round 1), Mar 1 (round 2)
Reviewed by Verified Member
  • Prepared Me Well for the Real World of Quant Finance
  • Class of 2024
One of the greatest strengths of the MFM program is the fact that many courses are taught by seasoned adjunct instructors who are active professionals in the quant finance industry. This ensured that what we learned was not only theoretically sound but also aligned with... (more)
4.71 star(s) 42 reviews
Tuition
$36,800
Enrollment
38 FT
Acceptance rate
24.2%
Employment Rate
At Graduation
60%
After 3 months
79%
Compensation
Base
$70,000
Johns Hopkins University - Financial Mathematics MSE

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD 21218 Financial Mathematics MSE
23
Total Score
70
Peer Score
2.7
The Financial Mathematics program is offered by Johns Hopskins Whiting School of Engineering under their Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics. Application Deadline: Dec 15
Reviewed by Verified Member
  • Good Program
  • Class of 2025
Overall, I really enjoyed the JHU Financial Math program. The emphasis on coursework is great — there are plenty of related classes to choose from, ranging from fundamental math and computer science to advanced topics like market microstructure, financial derivatives... (more)
4.64 star(s) 11 reviews
Tuition
$73,065
Enrollment
35 FT
Acceptance rate
14.9%
Undergrad GPA
Employment Rate
At Graduation
60%
After 3 months
88%
Compensation
University of North Carolina at Charlotte - MS in Mathematical Finance

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, NC 28223 MS in Mathematical Finance
24
Total Score
69
Peer Score
2.2
Application Deadline: Oct 1 (Spring), Aug 1 (Fall)
Reviewed by Verified Member
  • Decent and good program
  • Class of 2024
I completed my M.S. in Mathematical Finance at UNC Charlotte in December 2024, and overall, I would describe the program as a technically rigorous and industry aligned choice that’s particularly strong for those aiming at risk, quantitative risk management, or applied... (more)
4.58 star(s) 12 reviews
Tuition
$36,825
Enrollment
43 FT
Acceptance rate
61.7%
Undergrad GPA
Employment Rate
Compensation
Base
$82,781
Claremont Graduate University - MS in Financial Engineering
Application Deadline: Jul 5
  • CGU MSFE is very Flexible
  • Class of 2025
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)
3.50 star(s) 12 reviews
Employment Rate
Compensation
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute - MS in Quantitative Finance and Risk Analytics

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

26
Total Score
63
Peer Score
25.0
Application Deadline: December 1, January 15, March 1, April 15
Though the location is not financially- central, you will still definitely be surrounded by cutting edge lectures and experienced professors as well as excellent classmates in the same camp. I can not appreciate more for this elite college. In this one-year program, you... (more)
4.82 star(s) 11 reviews
Tuition
$48,100
Enrollment
45 FT
Acceptance rate
33.0%
Employment Rate
Compensation
Avg total
North Carolina State University - Master in Financial Mathematics

North Carolina State University

27
Total Score
61
Peer Score
2.4
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), Jan 31 (Fall)
Reviewed by Verified Member
  • NCSU Master of Financial Mathematics
  • Class of 2025
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)
4.46 star(s) 28 reviews
Tuition
$45,484
Enrollment
29 FT, 2 PT
Acceptance rate
23.0%
Undergrad GPA
Employment Rate
At Graduation
88%
After 3 months
88%
Compensation
Base
$82,000
University of Southern California - MS in Financial Engineering

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA 90089 MS in Financial Engineering
28
Total Score
60
Peer Score
2.4
Application Deadline: Sep 1, Dec 15
Reviewed by Verified Member
  • USC MFE Feedback
  • Class of 2024
The Financial Engineering program at USC looks solid on paper but falls short in execution. While it is housed in the Electrical Engineering department, the teaching quality does not match the standards of a strong quantitative finance program. A major issue is the... (more)
2.00 star(s) 2 reviews
Tuition
$48,000
Enrollment
50 FT
Employment Rate
Compensation
~ Illinois Institute of Technology - Master in Mathematical Finance

~ Illinois Institute of Technology

Chicago, IL 60616 Master in Mathematical Finance
29
Total Score
57
Peer Score
2.3
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
Tuition
$55,275
Enrollment
20 FT
Acceptance rate
47.9%
Employment Rate
Compensation
Stevens Institute of Technology - Master in Financial Engineering

Stevens Institute of Technology

30
Total Score
44
Peer Score
2.3
The Master in Financial Engineering (MFE) program is offered by Stevens School of Business. The three-semester program starts each fall semester. Application Deadline: Nov 1 (Spring), Apr 15 (Fall)
  • Excellent Program
  • Class of 2025
As a financial engineering student that knew very little about finance before coming to Stevens, the program has prepared me for a career in the finance industry. The Master´s program is mathematically rigorous, and all professors are excellent and will help you out... (more)
4.52 star(s) 58 reviews
Tuition
$42,825
Enrollment
205 FT
Acceptance rate
80.1%
Undergrad GPA
Employment Rate
Compensation
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