2026 Best Economics Bachelor’s Degree Schools

#1

Claremont Mckenna College

Claremont, CA

No school ranked higher than Claremont Mckenna College this year in the United States. Located in Claremont, CA, Claremont Mckenna College is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 91% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,980. Typical Economics student debt is $12,000. More on Claremont Mckenna College

#2

Williams College

Williamstown, MA

Williams College came in at #2 on this year's Economics ranking in the United States. Based in Williamstown, MA, Williams College is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $68,560 in tuition and fees. The median Economics program debt is $12,925. Read more about Williams College

#3

Duke University

Durham, NC

A rank of #3 makes Duke University one of the top choices in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Durham, NC. Duke University graduates 97% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,758. Typical Economics student debt is $13,437. Read the full report on Duke University

#4

Rice University

Houston, TX

A rank of #4 makes Rice University one of the top choices in the United States. Based in Houston, TX, Rice University is a private not-for-profit institution. Rice University graduates 95% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,247. Rice University Economics students take on a median of $11,289 in debt. Read the full report on Rice University

#5

Dartmouth College

Hanover, NH

Dartmouth College came in at #5 on this year's Economics ranking in the United States. Dartmouth College is a private not-for-profit school based in Hanover, NH. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,019. The median Economics program debt is $18,400. Read more about Dartmouth College

#6

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ

Princeton University placed #6 among Economics schools in the United States. Princeton University is a private not-for-profit school based in Princeton, NJ. Princeton University posts a six-year graduation rate of 98%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,688. Students borrow a median of $11,250 to complete their Economics program here. More on Princeton University

#7

University Of Chicago

Chicago, IL

University Of Chicago placed #7 among Economics schools in the United States. Set in Chicago, IL, University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. About 96% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,324. University Of Chicago Economics students take on a median of $13,197 in debt. More on University Of Chicago

#8

Yale University

New Haven, CT

Yale University did well this year, earning the #8 position. Set in New Haven, CT, Yale University is a private not-for-profit institution. Yale University graduates 96% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,250. The median Economics program debt is $13,250. Read more about Yale University

#9

University Of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN

University Of Notre Dame placed #9 among Economics schools in the United States. University Of Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit school based in Notre Dame, IN. University Of Notre Dame posts a six-year graduation rate of 95%. Students from in state pay about $65,025 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $19,965 to complete their Economics program here. Read the full report on University Of Notre Dame

#10

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN

Vanderbilt University landed the #10 spot in the United States this year. Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit school based in Nashville, TN. The six-year graduation rate is 94%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,498. The median Economics program debt is $12,424. More on Vanderbilt University

#11

Pomona College

Claremont, CA

Pomona College placed #11 among Economics schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Claremont, CA. Pomona College posts a six-year graduation rate of 93%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,420. Read the full report on Pomona College

#12

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL

Northwestern University came in at #12 in this year's ranking. Set in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 95% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,322. Northwestern University Economics students take on a median of $16,227 in debt. See the full Northwestern University profile

#13

Amherst College

Amherst, MA

Amherst College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best Economics schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Amherst, MA. Amherst College posts a six-year graduation rate of 94%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,480. Graduates carry a median of $16,662 in student loans. Get the full Amherst College report

#14

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA

Harvard University did well this year, earning the #14 position. Set in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. Harvard University posts a six-year graduation rate of 98%. In-state tuition and fees average $61,676. Students borrow a median of $6,617 to complete their Economics program here. Read the full report on Harvard University

#15

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA

Carnegie Mellon University landed the #15 spot in the United States this year. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 94% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $65,636. Carnegie Mellon University Economics students take on a median of $22,020 in debt. See the full Carnegie Mellon University profile

#16

Colorado School Of Mines

Golden, CO

Colorado School Of Mines landed the #16 spot in the United States this year. Colorado School Of Mines is a public school based in Golden, CO. Colorado School Of Mines graduates 82% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,914, while out-of-state students pay about $45,824. Graduates carry a median of $24,521 in student loans. Read more about Colorado School Of Mines

#17

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

Cornell University did well this year, earning the #17 position. Cornell University is a private not-for-profit school based in Ithaca, NY. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,314. The median Economics program debt is $15,500. Get the full Cornell University report

#18

Bowdoin College

Brunswick, ME

Bowdoin College placed #18 among Economics schools in the United States. Based in Brunswick, ME, Bowdoin College is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 95% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $67,832. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Get the full Bowdoin College report

#19

University Of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

University Of Pennsylvania landed the #19 spot in the United States this year. Located in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Pennsylvania graduates 96% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $68,686. University Of Pennsylvania Economics students take on a median of $14,000 in debt. See the full University Of Pennsylvania profile

#20

Brown University

Providence, RI

Brown University did well this year, earning the #20 position. Based in Providence, RI, Brown University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $71,312. Typical Economics student debt is $13,000. Read more about Brown University

#21

Colgate University

Hamilton, NY

Colgate University did well this year, earning the #21 position. Located in Hamilton, NY, Colgate University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 91% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,306. Colgate University Economics students take on a median of $17,500 in debt. More on Colgate University

#22

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD

Johns Hopkins University placed #22 among Economics schools in the United States. Based in Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $64,730 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $12,494 to complete their Economics program here. More on Johns Hopkins University

#23

University Of California Berkeley

Berkeley, CA

University Of California Berkeley came in at #23 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Berkeley, CA. Roughly 93% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Students borrow a median of $13,000 to complete their Economics program here. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley

#24

Stanford University

Stanford, CA

Stanford University came in at #24 in this year's ranking. Set in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 92% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,910. Typical Economics student debt is $12,500. Read the full report on Stanford University

#25

Bucknell University

Lewisburg, PA

Bucknell University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best Economics schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lewisburg, PA. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,812. Bucknell University Economics students take on a median of $25,888 in debt. More on Bucknell University

#26

University Of Virginia Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA

University Of Virginia Main Campus came in at #26 in this year's ranking. University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public school based in Charlottesville, VA. University Of Virginia Main Campus graduates 96% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,118, with out-of-state students paying around $61,591. Graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. Read more about University Of Virginia Main Campus

#27

Lafayette College

Easton, PA

Lafayette College came in at #27 in this year's ranking. Set in Easton, PA, Lafayette College is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 88%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,648. Lafayette College Economics students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. Get the full Lafayette College report

#28

Wellesley College

Wellesley, MA

Wellesley College did well this year, earning the #28 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Wellesley, MA. Wellesley College posts a six-year graduation rate of 92%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,176. Students borrow a median of $11,190 to complete their Economics program here. See the full Wellesley College profile

#29

Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, NC

Wake Forest University placed #29 among Economics schools in the United States. Wake Forest University is a private not-for-profit school based in Winston-Salem, NC. About 89% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $67,642. Typical Economics student debt is $20,927. See the full Wake Forest University profile

#30

Depauw University

Greencastle, IN

Depauw University did well this year, earning the #30 position. Based in Greencastle, IN, Depauw University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 75% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $59,070 in tuition and fees. Typical Economics student debt is $26,978. See the full Depauw University profile

#31

Barnard College

New York, NY

Barnard College ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best Economics schools. Based in New York, NY, Barnard College is a private not-for-profit institution. About 93% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,888. The median Economics program debt is $16,750. More on Barnard College

#32

Bates College

Lewiston, ME

Bates College came in at #32 in this year's ranking. Based in Lewiston, ME, Bates College is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 90% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $66,590. The median Economics program debt is $13,000. Get the full Bates College report

#33

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor landed the #33 spot in the United States this year. Based in Ann Arbor, MI, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public institution. About 93% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,848, compared with $63,081 for out-of-state students. The median Economics program debt is $19,690. More on University Of Michigan Ann Arbor

#34

Washington And Lee University

Lexington, VA

Washington And Lee University placed #34 among Economics schools in the United States. Located in Lexington, VA, Washington And Lee University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 94% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,045. Students borrow a median of $23,399 to complete their Economics program here. Get the full Washington And Lee University report

#35

Haverford College

Haverford, PA

Haverford College came in at #35 in this year's ranking. Set in Haverford, PA, Haverford College is a private not-for-profit institution. About 90% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $70,398. Read the full report on Haverford College

#36

Carleton College

Northfield, MN

Carleton College landed the #36 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Northfield, MN. Carleton College graduates 90% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,892. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. See the full Carleton College profile

#37

Washington University In St Louis

St. Louis, MO

Washington University In St Louis placed #37 among Economics schools in the United States. Located in St. Louis, MO, Washington University In St Louis is a private not-for-profit institution. About 94% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,790. Typical Economics student debt is $14,110. Read more about Washington University In St Louis

#38

Denison University

Granville, OH

Denison University did well this year, earning the #38 position. Based in Granville, OH, Denison University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 79%. In-state tuition and fees average $67,000. Typical Economics student debt is $24,102. Read more about Denison University

#39

College Of The Holy Cross

Worcester, MA

College Of The Holy Cross did well this year, earning the #39 position. College Of The Holy Cross is a private not-for-profit school based in Worcester, MA. The six-year graduation rate is 87%. In-state tuition and fees average $64,500. The median Economics program debt is $27,000. Read more about College Of The Holy Cross

#40

Georgetown University

Washington, DC

Georgetown University placed #40 among Economics schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. In-state tuition and fees average $68,089. Georgetown University Economics students take on a median of $16,500 in debt. Read more about Georgetown University

#41

Santa Clara University

Santa Clara, CA

Santa Clara University landed the #41 spot in the United States this year. Santa Clara University is a private not-for-profit school based in Santa Clara, CA. The six-year graduation rate is 88%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,293. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their Economics program here. Get the full Santa Clara University report

#42

Grinnell College

Grinnell, IA

Grinnell College placed #42 among Economics schools in the United States. Grinnell College is a private not-for-profit school based in Grinnell, IA. About 88% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,196. The median Economics program debt is $16,950. Get the full Grinnell College report

#43

Augustana College South Dakota

Sioux Falls, SD

Augustana College South Dakota placed #43 among Economics schools in the United States. Set in Sioux Falls, SD, Augustana College South Dakota is a private not-for-profit institution. About 73% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $40,160. Students borrow a median of $26,217 to complete their Economics program here. Read the full report on Augustana College South Dakota

#44

Villanova University

Villanova, PA

Villanova University did well this year, earning the #44 position. Based in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 92%. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,776. Villanova University Economics students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Get the full Villanova University report

#45

Tufts University

Medford, MA

Tufts University came in at #45 in this year's ranking. Set in Medford, MA, Tufts University is a private not-for-profit institution. Tufts University graduates 94% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $70,704. Typical Economics student debt is $17,850. Read the full report on Tufts University

#46

Swarthmore College

Swarthmore, PA

Swarthmore College did well this year, earning the #46 position. Swarthmore College is a private not-for-profit school based in Swarthmore, PA. Swarthmore College graduates 92% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,494. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Read more about Swarthmore College

#47

Vassar College

Poughkeepsie, NY

Vassar College placed #47 among Economics schools in the United States. Based in Poughkeepsie, NY, Vassar College is a private not-for-profit institution. Vassar College graduates 91% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $71,030. Graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. See the full Vassar College profile

#48

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best Economics schools. Located in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill posts a six-year graduation rate of 91%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,994, compared with $41,203 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,843 to complete their Economics program here. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

#49

Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA

Boston College ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best Economics schools. Set in Chestnut Hill, MA, Boston College is a private not-for-profit institution. Boston College posts a six-year graduation rate of 91%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $70,702. Typical Economics student debt is $18,000. Read more about Boston College

#50

University Of California Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA

University Of California Santa Barbara landed the #50 spot in the United States this year. Located in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. University Of California Santa Barbara graduates 83% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $15,444 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $47,332. University Of California Santa Barbara Economics students take on a median of $13,516 in debt. Read more about University Of California Santa Barbara