2026 Best Economics Doctoral Degree Schools

#1

Duke University

Durham, NC

No school ranked higher than Duke University this year in the United States. Set in Durham, NC, Duke University is a private not-for-profit institution. Duke University graduates 97% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,758. Duke University Economics students take on a median of $13,437 in debt. See the full Duke University profile

#2

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ

Princeton University came in at #2 on this year's Economics ranking in the United States. Set in Princeton, NJ, Princeton University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 98%. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,688. Graduates carry a median of $11,250 in student loans. See the full Princeton University profile

#3

Rice University

Houston, TX

Rice University came in at #3 on this year's Economics ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Houston, TX. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,247. Students borrow a median of $11,289 to complete their Economics program here. More on Rice University

#4

Teachers College At Columbia University

New York, NY

Out of the 937 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Teachers College At Columbia University landed the #4 spot. Set in New York, NY, Teachers College At Columbia University is a private not-for-profit institution. Get the full Teachers College At Columbia University report

#5

Yale University

New Haven, CT

Out of the 937 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Yale University landed the #5 spot. Based in New Haven, CT, Yale University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. Students from in state pay about $67,250 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $13,250 in student loans. Read the full report on Yale University

#6

Cuny Graduate School And University Center

New York, NY

Cuny Graduate School And University Center landed the #6 spot in the United States this year. Set in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,235, with out-of-state students paying around $15,185. Cuny Graduate School And University Center Economics students take on a median of $17,921 in debt. Get the full Cuny Graduate School And University Center report

#7

University Of Chicago

Chicago, IL

University Of Chicago ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best Economics schools. Based in Chicago, IL, University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. Students from in state pay about $69,324 in tuition and fees. The median Economics program debt is $13,197. See the full University Of Chicago profile

#8

Colorado School Of Mines

Golden, CO

Colorado School Of Mines placed #8 among Economics schools in the United States. Located in Golden, CO, Colorado School Of Mines is a public institution. Colorado School Of Mines posts a six-year graduation rate of 82%. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,914, with out-of-state students paying around $45,824. Students borrow a median of $24,521 to complete their Economics program here. Get the full Colorado School Of Mines report

#9

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA

Harvard University did well this year, earning the #9 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cambridge, MA. Harvard University graduates 98% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,676. Graduates carry a median of $6,617 in student loans. See the full Harvard University profile

#10

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN

Vanderbilt University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best Economics schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Nashville, TN. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $67,498. Typical Economics student debt is $12,424. See the full Vanderbilt University profile

#11

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL

Northwestern University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best Economics schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Evanston, IL. Roughly 95% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $68,322. The median Economics program debt is $16,227. Read more about Northwestern University

#12

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD

Johns Hopkins University placed #12 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. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,730. Johns Hopkins University Economics students take on a median of $12,494 in debt. More on Johns Hopkins University

#13

University Of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN

University Of Notre Dame ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best Economics schools. Based in Notre Dame, IN, University Of Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Notre Dame posts a six-year graduation rate of 95%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,025. Students borrow a median of $19,965 to complete their Economics program here. Get the full University Of Notre Dame report

#14

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA

Carnegie Mellon University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best Economics schools. Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit school based in Pittsburgh, PA. About 94% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $65,636 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $22,020 in student loans. More on Carnegie Mellon University

#15

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

Cornell University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best Economics schools. Set in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. Cornell University posts a six-year graduation rate of 95%. In-state tuition and fees average $69,314. Students borrow a median of $15,500 to complete their Economics program here. More on Cornell University

#16

University Of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

University Of Pennsylvania landed the #16 spot in the United States this year. Located in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. Students from in state pay about $68,686 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $14,000 in student loans. Read more about University Of Pennsylvania

#17

Stanford University

Stanford, CA

Stanford University came in at #17 in this year's ranking. Located in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 92% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,910. Typical Economics student debt is $12,500. Read the full report on Stanford University

#18

University Of California Berkeley

Berkeley, CA

University Of California Berkeley did well this year, earning the #18 position. Set in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. University Of California Berkeley posts a six-year graduation rate of 93%. In-state tuition and fees average $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. University Of California Berkeley Economics students take on a median of $13,000 in debt. Read more about University Of California Berkeley

#19

Brown University

Providence, RI

Brown University placed #19 among Economics schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Providence, RI. Brown University graduates 96% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $71,312. The median Economics program debt is $13,000. More on Brown University

#20

University Of Virginia Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA

University Of Virginia Main Campus placed #20 among Economics schools in the United States. Located in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. About 96% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,118, with out-of-state students paying around $61,591. University Of Virginia Main Campus Economics students take on a median of $19,000 in debt. Get the full University Of Virginia Main Campus report

#21

Washington University In St Louis

St. Louis, MO

Washington University In St Louis placed #21 among Economics schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in St. Louis, MO. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,790. Typical Economics student debt is $14,110. Get the full Washington University In St Louis report

#22

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best Economics schools. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public school based in Ann Arbor, MI. The six-year graduation rate is 93%. In-state tuition and fees average $18,848, while out-of-state students pay about $63,081. Graduates carry a median of $19,690 in student loans. More on University Of Michigan Ann Arbor

#23

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University landed the #23 spot in the United States this year. Set in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. About 81% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,079, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,250 in student loans. Read more about Michigan State University

#24

Georgetown University

Washington, DC

Georgetown University landed the #24 spot in the United States this year. Based in Washington, DC, Georgetown University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 95% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,089. The median Economics program debt is $16,500. More on Georgetown University

#25

Columbia University In The City Of New York

New York, NY

Columbia University In The City Of New York did well this year, earning the #25 position. Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $70,517 in tuition and fees. Typical Economics student debt is $25,000. See the full Columbia University In The City Of New York profile

#26

Claremont Graduate University

Claremont, CA

Claremont Graduate University did well this year, earning the #26 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Claremont, CA. See the full Claremont Graduate University profile

#27

University Of Rochester

Rochester, NY

University Of Rochester ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best Economics schools. University Of Rochester is a private not-for-profit school based in Rochester, NY. University Of Rochester graduates 85% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,080. Graduates carry a median of $19,946 in student loans. More on University Of Rochester

#28

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill ranked #28 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%. In-state tuition and fees average $8,994, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. The median Economics program debt is $15,843. See the full University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill profile

#29

Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA

Boston College landed the #29 spot in the United States this year. Based in Chestnut Hill, MA, Boston College is a private not-for-profit institution. About 91% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $70,702. The median Economics program debt is $18,000. Read more about Boston College

#30

University Of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA

University Of Southern California did well this year, earning the #30 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Los Angeles, CA. University Of Southern California posts a six-year graduation rate of 92%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $71,647. Graduates carry a median of $14,000 in student loans. Get the full University Of Southern California report

#31

University Of California Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

University Of California Los Angeles landed the #31 spot in the United States this year. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. Roughly 93% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $14,233 in tuition and fees, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. University Of California Los Angeles Economics students take on a median of $15,000 in debt. Read the full report on University Of California Los Angeles

#32

University Of Wisconsin Madison

Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best Economics schools. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. About 90% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,750 to complete their Economics program here. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison

#33

University Of California Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA

University Of California Santa Barbara placed #33 among Economics schools in the United States. Located in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 83%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,444, with out-of-state students paying around $47,332. Typical Economics student debt is $13,516. Read the full report on University Of California Santa Barbara

#34

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign did well this year, earning the #34 position. This public school is set in Champaign, IL. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,228 to complete their Economics program here. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report

#35

New York University

New York, NY

New York University placed #35 among Economics schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. New York University graduates 88% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $62,796 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $21,250 in student loans. See the full New York University profile

#36

Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus

Atlanta, GA

Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus placed #36 among Economics schools in the United States. This public school is set in Atlanta, GA. About 94% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $12,058, while out-of-state students pay about $34,484. The median Economics program debt is $24,323. Read more about Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus

#37

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University

Blacksburg, VA

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best Economics schools. Located in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. The median Economics program debt is $22,500. Read the full report on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University

#38

University Of Delaware

Newark, DE

University Of Delaware placed #38 among Economics schools in the United States. University Of Delaware is a public school based in Newark, DE. The six-year graduation rate is 82%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,810, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. Students borrow a median of $25,261 to complete their Economics program here. Read the full report on University Of Delaware

#39

The University Of Texas At Austin

Austin, TX

The University Of Texas At Austin ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best Economics schools. The University Of Texas At Austin is a public school based in Austin, TX. The University Of Texas At Austin posts a six-year graduation rate of 89%. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. Typical Economics student debt is $21,125. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report

#40

Purdue University Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best Economics schools. This public school is set in West Lafayette, IN. Purdue University Main Campus graduates 83% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Purdue University Main Campus Economics students take on a median of $24,700 in debt. Read the full report on Purdue University Main Campus

#41

North Carolina State University At Raleigh

Raleigh, NC

North Carolina State University At Raleigh placed #41 among Economics schools in the United States. North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public school based in Raleigh, NC. About 85% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $8,799 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. Typical Economics student debt is $22,113. More on North Carolina State University At Raleigh

#42

University Of Washington Seattle Campus

Seattle, WA

University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #42 in this year's ranking. Located in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. University Of Washington Seattle Campus graduates 85% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,973, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. Typical Economics student debt is $14,166. Read more about University Of Washington Seattle Campus

#43

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities did well this year, earning the #43 position. Set in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. Typical Economics student debt is $21,500. See the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities profile

#44

University Of Maryland College Park

College Park, MD

University Of Maryland College Park placed #44 among Economics schools in the United States. University Of Maryland College Park is a public school based in College Park, MD. Roughly 89% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $11,809, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. The median Economics program debt is $20,097. More on University Of Maryland College Park

#45

Iowa State University

Ames, IA

Iowa State University did well this year, earning the #45 position. Set in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 75%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,414 to complete their Economics program here. More on Iowa State University

#46

Indiana University Bloomington

Bloomington, IN

Indiana University Bloomington ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best Economics schools. This public school is set in Bloomington, IN. Indiana University Bloomington posts a six-year graduation rate of 80%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,144, compared with $41,891 for out-of-state students. Typical Economics student debt is $20,500. Get the full Indiana University Bloomington report

#47

George Washington University

Washington, DC

George Washington University did well this year, earning the #47 position. Located in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $67,710. The median Economics program debt is $23,250. See the full George Washington University profile

#48

Boston University

Boston, MA

Boston University placed #48 among Economics schools in the United States. Located in Boston, MA, Boston University is a private not-for-profit institution. Boston University posts a six-year graduation rate of 89%. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,102. Students borrow a median of $24,500 to complete their Economics program here. Read more about Boston University

#49

University Of California Davis

Davis, CA

University Of California Davis landed the #49 spot in the United States this year. Located in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. About 86% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $15,804 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $47,692. Graduates carry a median of $13,000 in student loans. Get the full University Of California Davis report

#50

Southern Methodist University

Dallas, TX

Southern Methodist University placed #50 among Economics schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Dallas, TX. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,040. Southern Methodist University Economics students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. See the full Southern Methodist University profile