Recommendations for mid-tier colleges with great Math departments?

Hi everyone, I'm a high school junior who's got a knack for numbers. I'm not aiming for Ivies, just looking for solid mid-tier colleges with strong Mathematics departments. Open to any and all recommendations!

Sure, happy to help guide your search! When evaluating colleges for their math programs, you'd want to consider not just the prestige of the department, but also the range of mathematical specialties they cover, the quality and accessibility of the professors, the resources available for students, class size, and research opportunities. Here are a few colleges that have well-regarded and rigorous programs in Mathematics:

1. University of Minnesota - Twin Cities: UMN has a highly respected math department and offers a wide range of mathematical specialties. It also provides excellent research opportunities even for undergraduate students. Minneapolis is a vibrant and affordable city to live in, and the campus community is quite lively.

2. University of Wisconsin - Madison: Known for its excellent faculty and diverse math program, UW Madison also offers a great environment for studying math as it promotes research even at the undergraduate level.

3. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: UIUC has one of the top-ranked math departments in the nation according to the National Research Council. Professors here are often leading scholars in their fields.

4. North Carolina State University: NCSU has a rigorous mathematics program and gives students plenty of opportunities to participate in research projects.

5. Stony Brook University (New York): This public university’s Mathematics department is quite strong, especially in applied math and statistics. Great for those who want to combine their love for math with practical, real-world applications.

6. Rutgers University (New Jersey): Another big public university, Rutgers has a distinguished math program with a broad spectrum of courses, and offers exciting research opportunities.

Remember that it's important to visit these schools in person or virtually and talk to current students, if possible. That way, you can get a feel for the school's culture and see if it's a good fit for you. Happy college searching!