2026 Best Value Economics Schools
Looking for the best-value Economics programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 937 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Business Degree Central reviewed schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Economics Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
For return on investment, no school beat Brigham Young University Provo this year in the United States. Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit school based in Provo, UT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. Typical Economics student debt is $11,000. Brigham Young University Provo alumni report median earnings of $75,790 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo
Brigham Young University Idaho came in at #2 on this year's best-value Economics ranking in the United States. Set in Rexburg, ID, Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,800. Typical Economics student debt is $13,287. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,406. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brigham Young University Idaho has an acceptance rate of 96%. See the full Brigham Young University Idaho profile
Santa Rosa Junior College came in at #3 on this year's best-value Economics ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Santa Rosa, CA. Students from in state pay about $1,318 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,308. Graduates carry a median of $14,692 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,224 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Santa Rosa Junior College report
Out of the 937 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Park University landed the #4 spot. Park University is a private not-for-profit school based in Parkville, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,116. Students borrow a median of $22,112 to complete their Economics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,309 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,112 median debt. Read more about Park University
Out of the 937 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Metropolitan State University landed the #5 spot. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Metropolitan State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,840 in tuition and fees. Typical Economics student debt is $30,822. Median earnings reach $64,705 ten years out. Set against $30,822 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. More on Metropolitan State University
Arizona State University Skysong landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. Arizona State University Skysong Economics students take on a median of $16,430 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. Set against $16,430 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 67%. Read the full report on Arizona State University Skysong
University Of Wisconsin River Falls ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Economics schools. Based in River Falls, WI, University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,008, compared with $17,470 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,245 in student loans. University Of Wisconsin River Falls alumni report median earnings of $54,458 a decade after entry. Set against $24,245 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin River Falls admits about 82% of applicants. Read more about University Of Wisconsin River Falls
Youngstown State University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Youngstown State University is a public school based in Youngstown, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Typical Economics student debt is $26,373. Youngstown State University alumni report median earnings of $41,544 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,373 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Youngstown State University
Fort Hays State University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Economics schools. Fort Hays State University is a public school based in Hays, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,923, compared with $17,741 for out-of-state students. The median Economics program debt is $25,967. Fort Hays State University alumni report median earnings of $48,928 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Fort Hays State University admits about 90% of applicants. See the full Fort Hays State University profile
Cuny Graduate School And University Center ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Economics schools. Set in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,235, while out-of-state students pay about $15,185. Cuny Graduate School And University Center Economics students take on a median of $17,921 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,991 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,921 median debt. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Cuny Graduate School And University Center
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville placed #11 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public school based in Edwardsville, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,092. Typical Economics student debt is $23,917. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,346 ten years after entry. Set against $23,917 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville admits about 98% of applicants. See the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville profile
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Slippery Rock, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,568, compared with $14,676 for out-of-state students. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania Economics students take on a median of $26,330 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,032. That is a strong return on a $26,330 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania report
Western Illinois University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Based in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,572 in tuition and fees. Western Illinois University Economics students take on a median of $27,639 in debt. Western Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $54,163 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,639 median debt. Western Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 71%. Read the full report on Western Illinois University
University Of Minnesota Morris came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Set in Morris, MN, University Of Minnesota Morris is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,526, with out-of-state students paying around $16,710. Students borrow a median of $21,080 to complete their Economics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,919 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,080 median debt. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Minnesota Morris
Minnesota State University Moorhead came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Set in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,428. The median Economics program debt is $24,447. Minnesota State University Moorhead alumni report median earnings of $50,527 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 59% of those who apply are admitted. More on Minnesota State University Moorhead
University Of North Dakota ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Economics schools. Based in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,951, compared with $15,570 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,110 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,552 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,110 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of North Dakota
North Dakota State University Main Campus came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Fargo, ND. In-state tuition and fees average $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. Typical Economics student debt is $25,153. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,203. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full North Dakota State University Main Campus report
Winona State University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Set in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,576, while out-of-state students pay about $17,308. Typical Economics student debt is $24,551. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,532. That is a strong return on a $24,551 median debt. Winona State University has an acceptance rate of 76%. More on Winona State University
East Los Angeles College landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Monterey Park, CA, East Los Angeles College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,238, with out-of-state students paying around $10,572. The median Economics program debt is $8,180. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,006 ten years after entry. Set against $8,180 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full East Los Angeles College report
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh placed #20 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a public school based in Oshkosh, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,532, with out-of-state students paying around $16,446. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh Economics students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,548. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh
University Of Akron Main Campus ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Economics schools. Based in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,135, with out-of-state students paying around $20,815. The median Economics program debt is $25,347. Median earnings reach $46,600 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Akron Main Campus profile
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Set in Whitewater, WI, University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,616, while out-of-state students pay about $18,716. Typical Economics student debt is $21,698. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,356 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,698 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Wisconsin Whitewater
South Dakota State University came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Set in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,299 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. Students borrow a median of $26,062 to complete their Economics program here. Median earnings reach $55,070 ten years out. Set against $26,062 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. South Dakota State University admits about 98% of applicants. Read the full report on South Dakota State University
University Of Northern Iowa ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Economics schools. Set in Cedar Falls, IA, University Of Northern Iowa is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,936, with out-of-state students paying around $21,712. Graduates carry a median of $17,169 in student loans. University Of Northern Iowa alumni report median earnings of $55,177 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,169 median debt. University Of Northern Iowa has an acceptance rate of 93%. More on University Of Northern Iowa
Teachers College At Columbia University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Economics schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,294. See the full Teachers College At Columbia University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Economics Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Truman State University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Economics schools. Set in Kirksville, MO, Truman State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,838, compared with $18,566 for out-of-state students. Truman State University Economics students take on a median of $23,168 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,280 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%. Read more about Truman State University
Northwest Missouri State University landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,611, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Graduates carry a median of $23,585 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,885. That is a strong return on a $23,585 median debt. Northwest Missouri State University has an acceptance rate of 86%. More on Northwest Missouri State University
University Of South Dakota came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. University Of South Dakota is a public school based in Vermillion, SD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,432, while out-of-state students pay about $12,942. Graduates carry a median of $20,819 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,926. Set against $20,819 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of South Dakota report
Webster University came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Set in Saint Louis, MO, Webster University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,750. Students borrow a median of $25,939 to complete their Economics program here. Median earnings reach $50,876 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Webster University admits about 86% of applicants. Read more about Webster University
University Of Wisconsin La Crosse ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Economics schools. Located in La Crosse, WI, University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,070, compared with $19,517 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Economics program here. Median earnings reach $60,378 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse admits about 76% of applicants. See the full University Of Wisconsin La Crosse profile
Northern Illinois University placed #31 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. Set in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,060. The median Economics program debt is $25,879. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,808. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Northern Illinois University
Cuny York College placed #32 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. Set in Jamaica, NY, Cuny York College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,358, while out-of-state students pay about $15,308. Typical Economics student debt is $12,573. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,945 ten years after entry. Set against $12,573 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 64% of those who apply are admitted. More on Cuny York College
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. This public school is set in Eau Claire, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,642, while out-of-state students pay about $19,228. The median Economics program debt is $21,500. Median earnings reach $58,561 ten years out. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Set in Shippensburg, PA, Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,570, with out-of-state students paying around $15,824. Students borrow a median of $26,307 to complete their Economics program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,351. That is a strong return on a $26,307 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania report
Valparaiso University landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Valparaiso, IN, Valparaiso University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $48,450 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,724 in student loans. Valparaiso University alumni report median earnings of $63,191 a decade after entry. Set against $26,724 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Valparaiso University has an acceptance rate of 89%. See the full Valparaiso University profile
Southeast Missouri State University landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Cape Girardeau, MO, Southeast Missouri State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,903. Graduates carry a median of $23,289 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,030. Set against $23,289 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southeast Missouri State University admits about 74% of applicants. Read more about Southeast Missouri State University
California State University East Bay placed #37 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. Based in Hayward, CA, California State University East Bay is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,583, while out-of-state students pay about $20,183. The median Economics program debt is $18,073. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,401. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University East Bay admits about 97% of applicants. See the full California State University East Bay profile
California State University Channel Islands ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Economics schools. Based in Camarillo, CA, California State University Channel Islands is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,159, with out-of-state students paying around $19,759. Typical Economics student debt is $16,997. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,152. That is a strong return on a $16,997 median debt. California State University Channel Islands has an acceptance rate of 95%. See the full California State University Channel Islands profile
Minnesota State University Mankato came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Located in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Typical Economics student debt is $21,474. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,922. Set against $21,474 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minnesota State University Mankato admits about 88% of applicants. See the full Minnesota State University Mankato profile
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Located in Stevens Point, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,228, compared with $18,248 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,161 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,021. Set against $24,161 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point admits about 92% of applicants. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point report
Illinois State University placed #42 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. Located in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,410, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. Typical Economics student debt is $25,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,117. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full Illinois State University profile
Arkansas State University Main Campus landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,090 in tuition and fees, compared with $14,522 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,399 to complete their Economics program here. Median earnings reach $42,617 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,399 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on Arkansas State University Main Campus
Indiana State University offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Set in Terre Haute, IN, Indiana State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,258 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,322. The median Economics program debt is $25,582. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,387 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,582 median debt. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Indiana State University report
University Of Minnesota Duluth landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Duluth, MN, University Of Minnesota Duluth is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,608, compared with $20,134 for out-of-state students. Typical Economics student debt is $25,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,616. Set against $25,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Minnesota Duluth
Central Michigan University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Mount Pleasant, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,480. Central Michigan University Economics students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $55,874 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. More on Central Michigan University
Utah State University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Utah State University is a public school based in Logan, UT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,560, with out-of-state students paying around $24,993. Utah State University Economics students take on a median of $15,250 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,022 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,250 median debt. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Utah State University
Claremont Mckenna College ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Economics schools. Located in Claremont, CA, Claremont Mckenna College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $67,980 in tuition and fees. Typical Economics student debt is $12,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $104,736 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Claremont Mckenna College admits about 10% of applicants. Get the full Claremont Mckenna College report
California State University Fresno landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Fresno, CA, California State University Fresno is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,341, with out-of-state students paying around $19,941. California State University Fresno Economics students take on a median of $16,110 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,244 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Fresno has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read the full report on California State University Fresno
Southern Illinois University Carbondale placed #50 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. Based in Carbondale, IL, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,334. Southern Illinois University Carbondale Economics students take on a median of $25,049 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,390 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Illinois University Carbondale has an acceptance rate of 87%. Read more about Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Missouri State University Springfield came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Located in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,502, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,793 to complete their Economics program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,827. Set against $19,793 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Missouri State University Springfield admits about 90% of applicants. Read more about Missouri State University Springfield
Best Value Economics Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Value Economics Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Economics Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Economics Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Economics Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Economics Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Economics Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Economics Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Business Degree Central (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 937 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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