2026 Best Economics Master’s Degree Schools

#1

Duke University

Durham, NC

Leading the list is Duke University, our #1 Economics school in the United States. Set in Durham, NC, Duke University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 97%. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,758. Duke University Economics students take on a median of $13,437 in debt. More on Duke University

#2

Rice University

Houston, TX

You'll be in good company at Rice University, which ranked #2 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Houston, TX. Rice University posts a six-year graduation rate of 95%. Students from in state pay about $61,247 in tuition and fees. Rice University Economics students take on a median of $11,289 in debt. Read the full report on Rice University

#3

Teachers College At Columbia University

New York, NY

You'll be in good company at Teachers College At Columbia University, which ranked #3 this year. Located 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

#4

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ

Out of the 937 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Princeton University landed the #4 spot. Princeton University is a private not-for-profit school based in Princeton, NJ. Princeton University posts a six-year graduation rate of 98%. In-state tuition and fees average $62,688. Students borrow a median of $11,250 to complete their Economics program here. Read more about Princeton University

#5

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD

A rank of #5 makes Johns Hopkins University one of the top choices in the United States. Located in Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 94%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,730. Typical Economics student debt is $12,494. Read more about Johns Hopkins University

#6

Colorado School Of Mines

Golden, CO

Colorado School Of Mines came in at #6 in this year's ranking. Colorado School Of Mines is a public school based in Golden, CO. The six-year graduation rate is 82%. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,914, while out-of-state students pay about $45,824. Students borrow a median of $24,521 to complete their Economics program here. Read the full report on Colorado School Of Mines

#7

Yale University

New Haven, CT

Yale University came in at #7 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in New Haven, CT. About 96% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,250. Typical Economics student debt is $13,250. See the full Yale University profile

#8

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN

Vanderbilt University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best Economics schools. Set in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 94%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,498. The median Economics program debt is $12,424. Get the full Vanderbilt University report

#9

Cuny Graduate School And University Center

New York, NY

Cuny Graduate School And University Center landed the #9 spot in the United States this year. Located in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,235, compared with $15,185 for out-of-state students. Cuny Graduate School And University Center Economics students take on a median of $17,921 in debt. See the full Cuny Graduate School And University Center profile

#10

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA

Harvard University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best Economics schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cambridge, MA. The six-year graduation rate is 98%. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,676. The median Economics program debt is $6,617. See the full Harvard University profile

#11

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL

Northwestern University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best Economics schools. Set in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,322. The median Economics program debt is $16,227. Read the full report on Northwestern University

#12

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA

Carnegie Mellon University landed the #12 spot in the United States this year. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit institution. Carnegie Mellon University graduates 94% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,636. Graduates carry a median of $22,020 in student loans. Read the full report on Carnegie Mellon University

#13

University Of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN

University Of Notre Dame placed #13 among Economics schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Notre Dame, IN. University Of Notre Dame graduates 95% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $65,025. University Of Notre Dame Economics students take on a median of $19,965 in debt. Get the full University Of Notre Dame report

#14

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

Cornell University ranked #14 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. Typical Economics student debt is $15,500. More on Cornell University

#15

Stanford University

Stanford, CA

Stanford University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best Economics schools. Based in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. Stanford University posts a six-year graduation rate of 92%. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,910. The median Economics program debt is $12,500. Get the full Stanford University report

#16

University Of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

University Of Pennsylvania ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best Economics schools. Set in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Pennsylvania posts a six-year graduation rate of 96%. In-state tuition and fees average $68,686. Typical Economics student debt is $14,000. Get the full University Of Pennsylvania report

#17

Brown University

Providence, RI

Brown University came in at #17 in this year's ranking. Set 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 average $71,312. Graduates carry a median of $13,000 in student loans. See the full Brown University profile

#18

University Of California Berkeley

Berkeley, CA

University Of California Berkeley landed the #18 spot in the United States this year. Set in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. 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. Graduates carry a median of $13,000 in student loans. Read more about University Of California Berkeley

#19

University Of Virginia Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA

University Of Virginia Main Campus did well this year, earning the #19 position. This public school is set in Charlottesville, VA. University Of Virginia Main Campus graduates 96% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $23,118 in tuition and fees, 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

#20

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor did well this year, earning the #20 position. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public school based in Ann Arbor, MI. Roughly 93% of students complete a degree within six years here. 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. Read more about University Of Michigan Ann Arbor

#21

Tufts University

Medford, MA

Tufts University came in at #21 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Medford, MA. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,704. Tufts University Economics students take on a median of $17,850 in debt. Read the full report on Tufts University

#22

University Of Chicago

Chicago, IL

University Of Chicago came in at #22 in this year's ranking. Located in Chicago, IL, University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $69,324 in tuition and fees. University Of Chicago Economics students take on a median of $13,197 in debt. See the full University Of Chicago profile

#23

Washington University In St Louis

St. Louis, MO

Washington University In St Louis did well this year, earning the #23 position. Located in St. Louis, MO, Washington University In St Louis is a private not-for-profit institution. Washington University In St Louis posts a six-year graduation rate of 94%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,790. Graduates carry a median of $14,110 in student loans. See the full Washington University In St Louis profile

#24

Columbia University In The City Of New York

New York, NY

Columbia University In The City Of New York placed #24 among Economics schools in the United States. Located in New York, NY, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit institution. Columbia University In The City Of New York graduates 96% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $70,517 in tuition and fees. The median Economics program debt is $25,000. More on Columbia University In The City Of New York

#25

Georgetown University

Washington, DC

Georgetown University placed #25 among Economics schools in the United States. Set in Washington, DC, Georgetown University is a private not-for-profit institution. Georgetown University graduates 95% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,089. Graduates carry a median of $16,500 in student loans. See the full Georgetown University profile

#26

Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA

Boston College ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best Economics schools. Located in Chestnut Hill, MA, Boston College is a private not-for-profit institution. Boston College posts a six-year graduation rate of 91%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,702. Graduates carry a median of $18,000 in student loans. Get the full Boston College report

#27

Emory University

Atlanta, GA

Emory University came in at #27 in this year's ranking. Set in Atlanta, GA, Emory University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 91%. In-state tuition and fees run about $64,280. Typical Economics student debt is $21,000. Read more about Emory University

#28

University Of Rochester

Rochester, NY

University Of Rochester ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best Economics schools. Located in Rochester, NY, University Of Rochester is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,080. Typical Economics student debt is $19,946. Read the full report on University Of Rochester

#29

University Of Wisconsin Madison

Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #29 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Madison, WI. University Of Wisconsin Madison graduates 90% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Students borrow a median of $20,750 to complete their Economics program here. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison

#30

University Of Maryland College Park

College Park, MD

University Of Maryland College Park placed #30 among Economics schools in the United States. This public school is set in College Park, MD. About 89% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,809, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. Typical Economics student debt is $20,097. Get the full University Of Maryland College Park report

#31

University Of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA

University Of Southern California did well this year, earning the #31 position. Based in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Southern California graduates 92% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $71,647. Students borrow a median of $14,000 to complete their Economics program here. More on University Of Southern California

#32

University Of California Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

University Of California Los Angeles ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best Economics schools. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. University Of California Los Angeles posts a six-year graduation rate of 93%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,233, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. University Of California Los Angeles Economics students take on a median of $15,000 in debt. Read more about University Of California Los Angeles

#33

Marquette University

Milwaukee, WI

Marquette University came in at #33 in this year's ranking. Located in Milwaukee, WI, Marquette University is a private not-for-profit institution. Marquette University posts a six-year graduation rate of 83%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $51,170. The median Economics program debt is $23,718. Read the full report on Marquette University

#34

Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus

Atlanta, GA

Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus came in at #34 in this year's ranking. Based in Atlanta, GA, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public institution. About 94% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,058, while out-of-state students pay about $34,484. Typical Economics student debt is $24,323. More on Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus

#35

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign did well this year, earning the #35 position. Based in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. 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. The median Economics program debt is $21,228. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report

#36

University Of California Irvine

Irvine, CA

University Of California Irvine did well this year, earning the #36 position. Set in Irvine, CA, University Of California Irvine is a public institution. University Of California Irvine graduates 87% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $14,752 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $46,640. The median Economics program debt is $15,499. More on University Of California Irvine

#37

University Of California Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA

University Of California Santa Barbara did well this year, earning the #37 position. Set in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. About 83% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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

#38

University Of Delaware

Newark, DE

University Of Delaware ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best Economics schools. Set in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. Roughly 82% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $16,810 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. Typical Economics student debt is $25,261. Get the full University Of Delaware report

#39

University Of North Dakota

Grand Forks, ND

University Of North Dakota came in at #39 in this year's ranking. Located in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. University Of North Dakota posts a six-year graduation rate of 60%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,951, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. Typical Economics student debt is $25,110. Read the full report on University Of North Dakota

#40

Purdue University Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus came in at #40 in this year's ranking. Purdue University Main Campus is a public school based in West Lafayette, IN. About 83% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. 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

University Of Washington Seattle Campus

Seattle, WA

University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #41 in this year's ranking. Set in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Typical Economics student debt is $14,166. Read the full report on University Of Washington Seattle Campus

#42

University Of California San Diego

La Jolla, CA

University Of California San Diego came in at #42 in this year's ranking. Based in La Jolla, CA, University Of California San Diego is a public institution. University Of California San Diego posts a six-year graduation rate of 86%. Students from in state pay about $15,788 in tuition and fees, compared with $47,676 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. More on University Of California San Diego

#43

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University

Blacksburg, VA

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University placed #43 among Economics schools in the United States. Set in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. About 86% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $15,948, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,500 to complete their Economics program here. Get the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University report

#44

Catholic University Of America

Washington, DC

Catholic University Of America landed the #44 spot in the United States this year. Set in Washington, DC, Catholic University Of America is a private not-for-profit institution. Catholic University Of America posts a six-year graduation rate of 80%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $58,378. Catholic University Of America Economics students take on a median of $25,771 in debt. More on Catholic University Of America

#45

The University Of Texas At Austin

Austin, TX

The University Of Texas At Austin ranked #45 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 average $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Typical Economics student debt is $21,125. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report

#46

Texas A And M University College Station

College Station, TX

Texas A And M University College Station placed #46 among Economics schools in the United States. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. Students from in state pay about $12,995 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their Economics program here. Read more about Texas A And M University College Station

#47

New York University

New York, NY

New York University came in at #47 in this year's ranking. New York University is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. About 88% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,796. Typical Economics student debt is $21,250. Read the full report on New York University

#48

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, CA

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo came in at #48 in this year's ranking. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public school based in San Luis Obispo, CA. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo graduates 86% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $12,161, with out-of-state students paying around $33,230. Students borrow a median of $18,500 to complete their Economics program here. Get the full California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo report

#49

Claremont Graduate University

Claremont, CA

Claremont Graduate University landed the #49 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Claremont, CA. Read more about Claremont Graduate University

#50

Southern Methodist University

Dallas, TX

Southern Methodist University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best Economics schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Dallas, TX. About 84% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $67,040. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their Economics program here. Read the full report on Southern Methodist University