Considering an actuarial science degree? Best colleges?

I've heard actuarial science is a solid field, so I'm thinking about it for college. What are some of the best colleges that offer strong actuarial science programs?

When you're looking at colleges for actuarial science, you should consider schools that are designated as Centers of Actuarial Excellence (CAE) by the Society of Actuaries. There are 17 such institutions in the U.S that meet the high standards in eight specific areas related to actuarial science education and have been recognized for their excellence.

Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) is one such center of actuarial excellence. It offers a Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science through the Smeal College of Business. The program prepares students for a range of industry exams and includes coursework in probability, financial mathematics, and mathematical statistics.

The University of Wisconsin, Madison (UW Madison) also offers a strong actuarial science program and is another Center of Actuarial Excellence. Students at UW Madison can pursue a Bachelor of Business Administration in Actuarial Science, which emphasizes business and economics and prepares students for the industry exams too.

Another college to consider is the University of Connecticut (UConn), which offers a Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science through its Department of Mathematics. UConn's program is particularly career-focused and even includes coursework specifically intended to prepare students for actuarial exams.

Additionally, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. programs in Actuarial Science, and is known for its strong emphasis on research and practical experience.

Remember, while these programs are undoubtedly strong, it's also important to consider other factors like the overall fit of the university, their financial aid packages, and any other academic interests you might have.