2026 Best Value Economics Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Economics bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 937 schools 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 build 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Brigham Young University Provo tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Economics bachelor's degree schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. Typical Economics student debt is $11,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,790 ten years after entry. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report
A rank of #2 makes Brigham Young University Idaho one of the best values in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Rexburg, ID. Students from in state pay about $4,800 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $13,287 to complete their Economics program here. Brigham Young University Idaho alumni report median earnings of $53,406 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,287 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%. See the full Brigham Young University Idaho profile
You'll get strong value at Park University, which ranked #3 this year. Set in Parkville, MO, Park University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,116. Graduates carry a median of $22,112 in student loans. Park University alumni report median earnings of $56,309 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Park University profile
Metropolitan State University came in at #4 on this year's best-value Economics ranking in the United States. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Metropolitan State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,840. The median Economics program debt is $30,822. Median earnings reach $64,705 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $30,822 median debt. Metropolitan State University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Read the full report on Metropolitan State University
A rank of #5 makes Arizona State University Skysong one of the best values in the United States. Arizona State University Skysong is a public school based in Scottsdale, AZ. Students from in state pay about $11,627 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. Typical Economics student debt is $16,430. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Set against $16,430 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 67%. More on Arizona State University Skysong
University Of Wisconsin River Falls came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Set in River Falls, WI, University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,008, with out-of-state students paying around $17,470. Students borrow a median of $24,245 to complete their Economics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,458. Set against $24,245 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin River Falls has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin River Falls
Fort Hays State University came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Located in Hays, KS, Fort Hays State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,923, with out-of-state students paying around $17,741. The median Economics program debt is $25,967. Median earnings reach $48,928 ten years out. Set against $25,967 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Fort Hays State University admits about 90% of applicants. Read the full report on Fort Hays State University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Located in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,092. Typical Economics student debt is $23,917. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumni report median earnings of $56,346 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,917 median debt. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville admits about 98% of applicants. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
University Of North Dakota offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. This public school is set in Grand Forks, ND. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,951, with out-of-state students paying around $15,570. Typical Economics student debt is $25,110. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,552 ten years after entry. Set against $25,110 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of North Dakota profile
Western Illinois University placed #10 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. Set in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,572. 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. Set against $27,639 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Illinois University admits about 71% of applicants. See the full Western Illinois University profile
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in Slippery Rock, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $10,568, while out-of-state students pay about $14,676. Typical Economics student debt is $26,330. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,032 ten years after entry. Set against $26,330 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania report
University Of Minnesota Morris landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Morris, MN, University Of Minnesota Morris is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,526 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $16,710. Graduates carry a median of $21,080 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,919. Set against $21,080 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 75%. Get the full University Of Minnesota Morris report
Minnesota State University Moorhead came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public school based in Moorhead, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,428. Students borrow a median of $24,447 to complete their Economics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,527 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,447 median debt. Minnesota State University Moorhead has an acceptance rate of 59%. See the full Minnesota State University Moorhead profile
South Dakota State University landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,299 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. Graduates carry a median of $26,062 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,070 ten years after entry. Set against $26,062 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%. Read more about South Dakota State University
Winona State University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Economics schools. Winona State University is a public school based in Winona, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,576, with out-of-state students paying around $17,308. Typical Economics student debt is $24,551. Winona State University alumni report median earnings of $58,532 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,551 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read the full report on Winona State University
North Dakota State University Main Campus came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. Set against $25,153 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Dakota State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 95%. More on North Dakota State University Main Campus
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. 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. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,548 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. More on University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh
University Of Akron Main Campus came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. University Of Akron Main Campus is a public school based in Akron, OH. Students from in state pay about $13,135 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. Typical Economics student debt is $25,347. University Of Akron Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $46,600 a decade after entry. Set against $25,347 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Akron Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 60%. Get the full University Of Akron Main Campus report
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public school based in Whitewater, WI. 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. Median earnings reach $55,356 ten years out. Set against $21,698 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. More on University Of Wisconsin Whitewater
University Of Northern Iowa placed #20 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. University Of Northern Iowa is a public school based in Cedar Falls, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $9,936, while out-of-state students pay about $21,712. Graduates carry a median of $17,169 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,177. That is a strong return on a $17,169 median debt. University Of Northern Iowa admits about 93% of applicants. Read more about University Of Northern Iowa
Youngstown State University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Located in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,926 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. Youngstown State University Economics students take on a median of $26,373 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,544. That is a strong return on a $26,373 median debt. Youngstown State University has an acceptance rate of 84%. Read the full report on Youngstown State University
Truman State University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Kirksville, MO, Truman State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,838, while out-of-state students pay about $18,566. Typical Economics student debt is $23,168. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,280. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Truman State University profile
Northwest Missouri State University came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Set in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,611 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Students borrow a median of $23,585 to complete their Economics program here. Northwest Missouri State University alumni report median earnings of $47,885 a decade after entry. Set against $23,585 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Northwest Missouri State University profile
Southern Illinois University Carbondale landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Carbondale, IL. Students from in state pay about $13,334 in tuition and fees. Southern Illinois University Carbondale Economics students take on a median of $25,049 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,390 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,049 median debt. Southern Illinois University Carbondale has an acceptance rate of 87%. More on Southern Illinois University Carbondale
University Of South Dakota landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,432, compared with $12,942 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,819 in student loans. Median earnings reach $51,926 ten years out. Set against $20,819 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. Read more about University Of South Dakota
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Economics Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
University Of Wisconsin La Crosse landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in La Crosse, WI, University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin La Crosse report
Eastern Illinois University placed #27 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. Set in Charleston, IL, Eastern Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,377 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,859. The median Economics program debt is $24,293. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,989. Set against $24,293 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Eastern Illinois University admits about 65% of applicants. Read more about Eastern Illinois University
Cuny York College offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. This public school is set in Jamaica, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,358, compared with $15,308 for out-of-state students. Typical Economics student debt is $12,573. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,945 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny York College has an acceptance rate of 64%. See the full Cuny York College profile
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. This public school is set in Shippensburg, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $13,570, while out-of-state students pay about $15,824. Graduates carry a median of $26,307 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,351 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,307 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania
Central Michigan University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Economics schools. Based in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,480. The median Economics program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $55,874 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Central Michigan University
Southeast Missouri State University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Economics schools. Based in Cape Girardeau, MO, Southeast Missouri State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,903. Southeast Missouri State University Economics students take on a median of $23,289 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,030. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Southeast Missouri State University
California State University Channel Islands ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Economics schools. Located 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. Students borrow a median of $16,997 to complete their Economics program here. California State University Channel Islands alumni report median earnings of $62,152 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,997 median debt. California State University Channel Islands admits about 95% of applicants. Read the full report on California State University Channel Islands
California State University East Bay placed #33 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. Set in Hayward, CA, California State University East Bay is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,583, compared with $20,183 for out-of-state students. Typical Economics student debt is $18,073. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,401. Set against $18,073 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University East Bay has an acceptance rate of 97%. Read the full report on California State University East Bay
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. This public school is set in Eau Claire, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,642, with out-of-state students paying around $19,228. Typical Economics student debt is $21,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,561. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire admits about 82% of applicants. More on University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire
Minnesota State University Mankato ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Economics schools. This public school is set in Mankato, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Minnesota State University Mankato Economics students take on a median of $21,474 in debt. Minnesota State University Mankato alumni report median earnings of $56,922 a decade after entry. Set against $21,474 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minnesota State University Mankato has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about Minnesota State University Mankato
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Stevens Point, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,228, while out-of-state students pay about $18,248. Typical Economics student debt is $24,161. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point alumni report median earnings of $52,021 a decade after entry. Set against $24,161 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point
Northern Illinois University landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,060. Northern Illinois University Economics students take on a median of $25,879 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,879 median debt. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Northern Illinois University
Arkansas State University Main Campus placed #39 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public school based in Jonesboro, AR. Students from in state pay about $8,090 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $14,522. Graduates carry a median of $23,399 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,617. Set against $23,399 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Arkansas State University Main Campus
Indiana State University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Economics schools. Located in Terre Haute, IN, Indiana State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,258, compared with $22,322 for out-of-state students. Typical Economics student debt is $25,582. Median earnings reach $48,387 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,582 median debt. The acceptance rate is 81%. Read the full report on Indiana State University
University Of Minnesota Duluth came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Based in Duluth, MN, University Of Minnesota Duluth is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,608 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,134 for out-of-state students. The median Economics program debt is $25,250. Median earnings reach $62,616 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read more about University Of Minnesota Duluth
Utah State University landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Logan, UT. Students from in state pay about $8,560 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,993. Typical Economics student debt is $15,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,022. That is a strong return on a $15,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 92%. Read the full report on Utah State University
Claremont Mckenna College placed #43 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. Claremont Mckenna College is a private not-for-profit school based in Claremont, CA. Students from in state pay about $67,980 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Claremont Mckenna College alumni report median earnings of $104,736 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 10% of applicants are accepted. More on Claremont Mckenna College
California State University Fresno came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Set in Fresno, CA, California State University Fresno is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,341, compared with $19,941 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,110 to complete their Economics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,244. That is a strong return on a $16,110 median debt. California State University Fresno has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read the full report on California State University Fresno
University Of Southern Indiana placed #45 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. Located in Evansville, IN, University Of Southern Indiana is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,066, compared with $22,907 for out-of-state students. Typical Economics student debt is $21,999. University Of Southern Indiana alumni report median earnings of $47,605 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,999 median debt. University Of Southern Indiana admits about 96% of applicants. More on University Of Southern Indiana
San Jose State University offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Based in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,410, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,988. The acceptance rate is 85%. Read more about San Jose State University
Missouri State University Springfield landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,502, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. Missouri State University Springfield Economics students take on a median of $19,793 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,827. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Missouri State University Springfield report
University Of Wisconsin Green Bay landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Green Bay, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $8,700, compared with $17,288 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,477 to complete their Economics program here. University Of Wisconsin Green Bay alumni report median earnings of $52,528 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,477 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Green Bay has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Green Bay
Eastern Michigan University offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Set in Ypsilanti, MI, Eastern Michigan University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,990 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,536 to complete their Economics program here. Eastern Michigan University alumni report median earnings of $51,793 a decade after entry. Set against $26,536 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%. Get the full Eastern Michigan University report
Colorado School Of Mines landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Golden, CO, Colorado School Of Mines is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,914, while out-of-state students pay about $45,824. Typical Economics student debt is $24,521. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $97,335. Set against $24,521 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Colorado School Of Mines has an acceptance rate of 61%. More on Colorado School Of Mines
University Of Wisconsin Parkside offered strong value this year, earning the #52 position. Located in Kenosha, WI, University Of Wisconsin Parkside is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,270 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,429 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,485 to complete their Economics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,129 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,485 median debt. The acceptance rate is 75%. More on University Of Wisconsin Parkside
Related Economics Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Economics Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Economics Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Economics Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Economics Associate’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
These rankings are produced by Business Degree Central (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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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