2026 Best Value Economics Doctoral Degree Schools

#1

Cuny Graduate School And University Center

New York, NY

Cuny Graduate School And University Center earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Based 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, while out-of-state students pay about $15,185. Typical Economics student debt is $17,921. Cuny Graduate School And University Center alumni report median earnings of $65,991 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,921 median debt. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Cuny Graduate School And University Center profile

#2

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL

Out of the 937 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Northern Illinois University landed the #2 spot. This public school is set in Dekalb, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Students borrow a median of $25,879 to complete their Economics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,808. Set against $25,879 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants. More on Northern Illinois University

#3

University Of Delaware

Newark, DE

A rank of #3 makes University Of Delaware one of the best values in the United States. University Of Delaware is a public school based in Newark, DE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,810, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. The median Economics program debt is $25,261. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,950. Set against $25,261 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Delaware admits about 71% of applicants. More on University Of Delaware

#4

University Of California Berkeley

Berkeley, CA

A rank of #4 makes University Of California Berkeley one of the best values in the United States. University Of California Berkeley is a public school based in Berkeley, CA. Students from in state pay about $15,377 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. University Of California Berkeley Economics students take on a median of $13,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,446 ten years after entry. Set against $13,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Berkeley has an acceptance rate of 11%. More on University Of California Berkeley

#5

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

A rank of #5 makes Cornell University one of the best values in the United States. Based in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,314. Cornell University Economics students take on a median of $15,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $104,043. Set against $15,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Cornell University report

#6

Teachers College At Columbia University

New York, NY

Teachers College At Columbia University came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Teachers College At Columbia University is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. Teachers College At Columbia University alumni report median earnings of $73,294 a decade after entry. Read the full report on Teachers College At Columbia University

#7

The University Of Texas At Austin

Austin, TX

The University Of Texas At Austin ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Economics schools. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. Graduates carry a median of $21,125 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,121 ten years after entry. Set against $21,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas At Austin has an acceptance rate of 27%. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report

#8

University Of Nebraska Lincoln

Lincoln, NE

University Of Nebraska Lincoln ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Economics schools. Based in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. The median Economics program debt is $22,386. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,887. That is a strong return on a $22,386 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Nebraska Lincoln

#9

University Of Wisconsin Madison

Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison placed #9 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. Based in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. University Of Wisconsin Madison Economics students take on a median of $20,750 in debt. Median earnings reach $73,792 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile

#10

Colorado School Of Mines

Golden, CO

Colorado School Of Mines offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Located in Golden, CO, Colorado School Of Mines is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,914, with out-of-state students paying around $45,824. Colorado School Of Mines Economics students take on a median of $24,521 in debt. Median earnings reach $97,335 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,521 median debt. Colorado School Of Mines admits about 61% of applicants. Read the full report on Colorado School Of Mines

#11

University Of Virginia Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA

University Of Virginia Main Campus landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,118, while out-of-state students pay about $61,591. Typical Economics student debt is $19,000. University Of Virginia Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $86,863 a decade after entry. Set against $19,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 17%. Get the full University Of Virginia Main Campus report

#12

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX

Texas Tech University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Texas Tech University is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,125 in student loans. Median earnings reach $62,454 ten years out. Set against $27,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. See the full Texas Tech University profile

#13

University Of California Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

University Of California Los Angeles came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Based in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,233, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete their Economics program here. University Of California Los Angeles alumni report median earnings of $82,511 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 9%. Read the full report on University Of California Los Angeles

#14

Yale University

New Haven, CT

Yale University landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in New Haven, CT, Yale University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,250. Graduates carry a median of $13,250 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $100,533 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Yale University has an acceptance rate of 4%. More on Yale University

#14

University Of California Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA

University Of California Santa Barbara came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Located in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,444, while out-of-state students pay about $47,332. Students borrow a median of $13,516 to complete their Economics program here. Median earnings reach $74,915 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,516 median debt. University Of California Santa Barbara admits about 33% of applicants. See the full University Of California Santa Barbara profile

#16

Rice University

Houston, TX

Rice University placed #16 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. Based in Houston, TX, Rice University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,247. Rice University Economics students take on a median of $11,289 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $89,718. Set against $11,289 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 8%. Get the full Rice University report

#17

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. This public school is set in Chapel Hill, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $8,994, with out-of-state students paying around $41,203. Graduates carry a median of $15,843 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,200 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,843 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill has an acceptance rate of 15%. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

#18

University Of Wyoming

Laramie, WY

University Of Wyoming came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Laramie, WY. Students from in state pay about $7,768 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,178 for out-of-state students. University Of Wyoming Economics students take on a median of $20,283 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,880 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,283 median debt. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Wyoming

#19

University Of Houston

Houston, TX

University Of Houston landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,717 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. University Of Houston Economics students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,377 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Houston has an acceptance rate of 74%. Read more about University Of Houston

#20

University Of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

University Of Pennsylvania landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $68,686. Students borrow a median of $14,000 to complete their Economics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $111,371 ten years after entry. Set against $14,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 5%. Read more about University Of Pennsylvania

#20

University Of Nevada Reno

Reno, NV

University Of Nevada Reno came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Located in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,578, compared with $27,720 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,950 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,614 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Nevada Reno profile

#22

Clemson University

Clemson, SC

Clemson University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Set in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,554 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. Typical Economics student debt is $22,250. Clemson University alumni report median earnings of $71,513 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Clemson University

#23

Iowa State University

Ames, IA

Iowa State University landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. Students borrow a median of $23,414 to complete their Economics program here. Iowa State University alumni report median earnings of $63,386 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. More on Iowa State University

#24

Purdue University Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. This public school is set in West Lafayette, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,700 to complete their Economics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,424. Set against $24,700 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Purdue University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 50%. Get the full Purdue University Main Campus report

#25

North Carolina State University At Raleigh

Raleigh, NC

North Carolina State University At Raleigh ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Economics schools. Located in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,799 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. The median Economics program debt is $22,113. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,758 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 42%. See the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh profile

#25

Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA

Boston College offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Set in Chestnut Hill, MA, Boston College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $70,702. Typical Economics student debt is $18,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $103,937 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 16%. Read more about Boston College

#25

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public school based in Champaign, IL. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. The median Economics program debt is $21,228. Median earnings reach $81,054 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,228 median debt. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

#25

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA

Carnegie Mellon University landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Pittsburgh, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,636. Graduates carry a median of $22,020 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $114,862. Set against $22,020 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 12%. Get the full Carnegie Mellon University report

#29

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities placed #29 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. This public school is set in Minneapolis, MN. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities Economics students take on a median of $21,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,020 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 80%. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities

#30

Duke University

Durham, NC

Duke University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Economics schools. Set in Durham, NC, Duke University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,758. The median Economics program debt is $13,437. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $97,800. Set against $13,437 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 6%. Read more about Duke University

#31

Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus

Atlanta, GA

Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus placed #31 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. This public school is set in Atlanta, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $12,058, while out-of-state students pay about $34,484. Students borrow a median of $24,323 to complete their Economics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $102,772 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,323 median debt. Roughly 14% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus report

#32

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus

Norman, OK

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Based in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,797, compared with $27,377 for out-of-state students. The median Economics program debt is $19,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,126 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read the full report on University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus

#32

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University

Blacksburg, VA

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Based in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,948, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. Typical Economics student debt is $22,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,698 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 55%. More on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University

#34

Claremont Graduate University

Claremont, CA

Claremont Graduate University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Claremont, CA. Median earnings reach $64,372 ten years out. More on Claremont Graduate University

#34

University Of California Davis

Davis, CA

University Of California Davis landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,804, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $13,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $80,838. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Davis admits about 42% of applicants. Read more about University Of California Davis

#34

Texas A And M University College Station

College Station, TX

Texas A And M University College Station landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Typical Economics student debt is $19,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,097. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. More on Texas A And M University College Station

#34

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ

Princeton University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Located in Princeton, NJ, Princeton University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $62,688 in tuition and fees. Typical Economics student debt is $11,250. Median earnings reach $110,066 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 5%. Read more about Princeton University

#38

University Of Washington Seattle Campus

Seattle, WA

University Of Washington Seattle Campus placed #38 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. Set in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,973, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. Students borrow a median of $14,166 to complete their Economics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,466. That is a strong return on a $14,166 median debt. The acceptance rate is 39%. See the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus profile

#38

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA

Harvard University came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Based in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $61,676 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $6,617 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $101,817 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $6,617 median debt. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Harvard University report

#40

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN

Vanderbilt University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Economics schools. Based in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,498. The median Economics program debt is $12,424. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $91,565. That is a strong return on a $12,424 median debt. The acceptance rate is 6%. Read more about Vanderbilt University

#41

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in East Lansing, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $18,079, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. Typical Economics student debt is $24,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,253. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. See the full Michigan State University profile

#42

University Of California San Diego

La Jolla, CA

University Of California San Diego offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. This public school is set in La Jolla, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,788, while out-of-state students pay about $47,676. Graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $84,943 ten years after entry. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California San Diego admits about 27% of applicants. Get the full University Of California San Diego report

#42

University Of Missouri Columbia

Columbia, MO

University Of Missouri Columbia placed #42 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. Based in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,837, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. Typical Economics student debt is $18,815. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,403. That is a strong return on a $18,815 median debt. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Missouri Columbia report

#44

Arizona State University

Tempe, AZ

Arizona State University landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Arizona State University is a public school based in Tempe, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. The median Economics program debt is $16,430. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. That is a strong return on a $16,430 median debt. Arizona State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Get the full Arizona State University report

#45

Northeastern University

Boston, MA

Northeastern University placed #45 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit school based in Boston, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $66,162. The median Economics program debt is $24,500. Northeastern University alumni report median earnings of $92,538 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 5%. See the full Northeastern University profile

#46

Washington State University

Pullman, WA

Washington State University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Set in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,391, while out-of-state students pay about $29,950. The median Economics program debt is $25,656. Median earnings reach $68,905 ten years out. Set against $25,656 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%. Read the full report on Washington State University

#46

University Of South Florida Main Campus

Tampa, FL

University Of South Florida Main Campus placed #46 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public school based in Tampa, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,410, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. The median Economics program debt is $22,925. University Of South Florida Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $57,743 a decade after entry. Set against $22,925 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 43%. See the full University Of South Florida Main Campus profile

#48

University Of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT

University Of Utah came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Based in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,620 in tuition and fees, compared with $30,860 for out-of-state students. University Of Utah Economics students take on a median of $16,642 in debt. University Of Utah alumni report median earnings of $67,170 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,642 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. Get the full University Of Utah report

#49

George Washington University

Washington, DC

George Washington University landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,710. George Washington University Economics students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $90,873 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. George Washington University has an acceptance rate of 47%. Read more about George Washington University

#50

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL

Northwestern University came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Located in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $68,322 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $16,227 to complete their Economics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $89,363. That is a strong return on a $16,227 median debt. Northwestern University has an acceptance rate of 8%. Read more about Northwestern University