2026 Best Value Economics Master’s Degree Schools

#1

Youngstown State University

Youngstown, OH

For return on investment, no school beat Youngstown State University this year in the United States. This public school is set in Youngstown, OH. Students from in state pay about $9,926 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. The median Economics program debt is $26,373. Median earnings reach $41,544 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,373 median debt. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Youngstown State University

#2

Illinois State University

Normal, IL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Illinois State University earned it the #2 place in the United States. Illinois State University is a public school based in Normal, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $14,410, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. Illinois State University Economics students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,117. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Illinois State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full Illinois State University profile

#3

Cuny Graduate School And University Center

New York, NY

Cuny Graduate School And University Center came in at #3 on this year's best-value Economics ranking in the United States. Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public school based in New York, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,235, while out-of-state students pay about $15,185. The median Economics program debt is $17,921. Median earnings reach $65,991 ten years out. 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

#4

North Dakota State University Main Campus

Fargo, ND

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at North Dakota State University Main Campus earned it the #4 place in the United States. Based in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. Students borrow a median of $25,153 to complete their Economics program here. Median earnings reach $62,203 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 95%. Read the full report on North Dakota State University Main Campus

#5

Valparaiso University

Valparaiso, IN

A rank of #5 makes Valparaiso University one of the best values in the United States. Valparaiso University is a private not-for-profit school based in Valparaiso, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $48,450. Graduates carry a median of $26,724 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,191. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Valparaiso University

#6

Western Illinois University

Macomb, IL

Western Illinois University came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Based in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,572. Typical Economics student debt is $27,639. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,163. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Illinois University admits about 71% of applicants. See the full Western Illinois University profile

#7

University Of Delaware

Newark, DE

University Of Delaware came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. 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. University Of Delaware alumni report median earnings of $72,950 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,261 median debt. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Delaware

#8

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL

Northern Illinois University came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Northern Illinois University is a public school based in Dekalb, IL. Students from in state pay about $13,060 in tuition and fees. Typical Economics student debt is $25,879. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,808. That is a strong return on a $25,879 median debt. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Northern Illinois University

#9

University Of North Dakota

Grand Forks, ND

University Of North Dakota ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Economics schools. This public school is set in Grand Forks, ND. In-state tuition and fees average $10,951, with out-of-state students paying around $15,570. University Of North Dakota Economics students take on a median of $25,110 in debt. University Of North Dakota alumni report median earnings of $63,552 a decade after entry. Set against $25,110 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Dakota admits about 77% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of North Dakota

#10

Teachers College At Columbia University

New York, NY

Teachers College At Columbia University came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Located in New York, NY, Teachers College At Columbia University is a private not-for-profit institution. Teachers College At Columbia University alumni report median earnings of $73,294 a decade after entry. See the full Teachers College At Columbia University profile

#11

Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud, MN

Saint Cloud State University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Economics schools. Saint Cloud State University is a public school based in Saint Cloud, MN. Students from in state pay about $10,245 in tuition and fees. Saint Cloud State University Economics students take on a median of $25,076 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,813. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Cloud State University admits about 95% of applicants. See the full Saint Cloud State University profile

#12

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

Cornell University placed #12 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. Set in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. That is a strong return on a $15,500 median debt. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. More on Cornell University

#13

Marquette University

Milwaukee, WI

Marquette University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Milwaukee, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $51,170. Students borrow a median of $23,718 to complete their Economics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,257 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,718 median debt. Marquette University admits about 81% of applicants. Get the full Marquette University report

#14

California State University East Bay

Hayward, CA

California State University East Bay ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Economics schools. Set in Hayward, CA, California State University East Bay is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,583 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,183 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,073 to complete their Economics program here. Median earnings reach $71,401 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $18,073 median debt. The acceptance rate is 97%. Read the full report on California State University East Bay

#15

University Of California Berkeley

Berkeley, CA

University Of California Berkeley landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Berkeley, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. University Of California Berkeley Economics students take on a median of $13,000 in debt. University Of California Berkeley alumni report median earnings of $92,446 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,000 median debt. About 11% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of California Berkeley

#16

South Dakota State University

Brookings, SD

South Dakota State University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. South Dakota State University is a public school based in Brookings, SD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,299, compared with $12,809 for out-of-state students. South Dakota State University Economics students take on a median of $26,062 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,070 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. South Dakota State University has an acceptance rate of 98%. Read more about South Dakota State University

#17

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, CA

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Economics schools. This public school is set in San Luis Obispo, CA. Students from in state pay about $12,161 in tuition and fees, compared with $33,230 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,500 to complete their Economics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $90,768. That is a strong return on a $18,500 median debt. About 31% of those who apply are admitted. See the full California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo profile

#18

University Of Wisconsin Madison

Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Economics schools. Set in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Students borrow a median of $20,750 to complete their Economics program here. Median earnings reach $73,792 ten years out. Set against $20,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison

#19

University Of Nebraska Lincoln

Lincoln, NE

University Of Nebraska Lincoln landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,434 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. The median Economics program debt is $22,386. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,887 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nebraska Lincoln has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about University Of Nebraska Lincoln

#20

Colorado School Of Mines

Golden, CO

Colorado School Of Mines placed #20 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. Colorado School Of Mines is a public school based in Golden, CO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Colorado School Of Mines alumni report median earnings of $97,335 a decade after entry. Set against $24,521 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 61%. More on Colorado School Of Mines

#21

The University Of Texas At Austin

Austin, TX

The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,125 to complete their Economics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,121. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At Austin has an acceptance rate of 27%. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Austin

#22

University Of Houston

Houston, TX

University Of Houston came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Located in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,717, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. Typical Economics student debt is $19,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,377. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Houston has an acceptance rate of 74%. Read the full report on University Of Houston

#23

Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, MI

Central Michigan University placed #23 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. Based in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,480. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $55,874 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Central Michigan University

#23

University Of Nebraska At Omaha

Omaha, NE

University Of Nebraska At Omaha offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Based in Omaha, NE, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,718 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $23,206. Graduates carry a median of $21,783 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,909. That is a strong return on a $21,783 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Nebraska At Omaha report

#25

San Jose State University

San Jose, CA

San Jose State University came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. San Jose State University is a public school based in San Jose, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,410, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,988. The acceptance rate is 85%. See the full San Jose State University profile

#26

Texas A And M University College Station

College Station, TX

Texas A And M University College Station placed #26 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. Set in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Texas A And M University College Station Economics students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,097. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 57%. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station

#27

University Of California Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

University Of California Los Angeles came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Typical Economics student debt is $15,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,511. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of California Los Angeles

#28

University Of Virginia Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA

University Of Virginia Main Campus came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Based in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,118, while out-of-state students pay about $61,591. The median Economics program debt is $19,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $86,863. That is a strong return on a $19,000 median debt. University Of Virginia Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 17%. Read the full report on University Of Virginia Main Campus

#29

University Of North Texas

Denton, TX

University Of North Texas came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Located in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. Graduates carry a median of $23,619 in student loans. Median earnings reach $57,010 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Texas admits about 72% of applicants. Read more about University Of North Texas

#30

Rice University

Houston, TX

Rice University offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Based in Houston, TX, Rice University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $61,247. Students borrow a median of $11,289 to complete their Economics program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $89,718. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 8%. Read more about Rice University

#31

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX

Texas Tech University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Economics schools. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,125 to complete their Economics program here. Median earnings reach $62,454 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Texas Tech University

#32

University Of California Irvine

Irvine, CA

University Of California Irvine ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Economics schools. Located in Irvine, CA, University Of California Irvine is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,752, while out-of-state students pay about $46,640. Graduates carry a median of $15,499 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $80,735 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,499 median debt. Roughly 29% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of California Irvine report

#33

Yale University

New Haven, CT

Yale University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Economics schools. Based in New Haven, CT, Yale University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $67,250 in tuition and fees. Typical Economics student debt is $13,250. Median earnings reach $100,533 ten years out. Set against $13,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 4%. Read the full report on Yale University

#33

Bowling Green State University Main Campus

Bowling Green, OH

Bowling Green State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Located in Bowling Green, OH, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,912 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,900. Bowling Green State University Main Campus Economics students take on a median of $23,625 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,896. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bowling Green State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 81%. See the full Bowling Green State University Main Campus profile

#33

University Of South Florida Main Campus

Tampa, FL

University Of South Florida Main Campus came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Located in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,410, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Typical Economics student debt is $22,925. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,743. Set against $22,925 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of South Florida Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 43%. See the full University Of South Florida Main Campus profile

#36

University Of California Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA

University Of California Santa Barbara landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of California Santa Barbara is a public school based in Santa Barbara, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,444, with out-of-state students paying around $47,332. University Of California Santa Barbara Economics students take on a median of $13,516 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,915. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 33%. See the full University Of California Santa Barbara profile

#37

University Of Nevada Reno

Reno, NV

University Of Nevada Reno ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Economics schools. This public school is set in Reno, NV. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,578, while out-of-state students pay about $27,720. The median Economics program debt is $22,950. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,614 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,950 median debt. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Nevada Reno

#38

Purdue University Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. The median Economics program debt is $24,700. Median earnings reach $72,424 ten years out. Set against $24,700 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Purdue University Main Campus report

#39

University Of North Carolina At Charlotte

Charlotte, NC

University Of North Carolina At Charlotte came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Based in Charlotte, NC, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,239, compared with $22,492 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,673 to complete their Economics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,289 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%. More on University Of North Carolina At Charlotte

#40

Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA

Boston College offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chestnut Hill, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $70,702. The median Economics program debt is $18,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $103,937. Set against $18,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Boston College admits about 16% of applicants. More on Boston College

#40

University Of Wyoming

Laramie, WY

University Of Wyoming landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,768 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. The median Economics program debt is $20,283. Median earnings reach $56,880 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,283 median debt. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Wyoming report

#42

Suny At Binghamton

Vestal, NY

Suny At Binghamton offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Set in Vestal, NY, Suny At Binghamton is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,567, compared with $30,447 for out-of-state students. Typical Economics student debt is $19,919. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $80,596. Set against $19,919 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Suny At Binghamton admits about 39% of applicants. Get the full Suny At Binghamton report

#42

University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee

Milwaukee, WI

University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public school based in Milwaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $10,398, while out-of-state students pay about $22,398. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Economics students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee alumni report median earnings of $54,990 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee report

#42

San Diego State University

San Diego, CA

San Diego State University landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,728, compared with $21,328 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,250 in student loans. San Diego State University alumni report median earnings of $64,909 a decade after entry. Set against $15,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 36%. Read more about San Diego State University

#45

University Of California San Diego

La Jolla, CA

University Of California San Diego came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. University Of California San Diego is a public school based in La Jolla, CA. Students from in state pay about $15,788 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. Typical Economics student debt is $15,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $84,943. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of California San Diego

#46

Clemson University

Clemson, SC

Clemson University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Located in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,554 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,866. Graduates carry a median of $22,250 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,513. Set against $22,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Clemson University report

#47

Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus

Atlanta, GA

Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Set in Atlanta, GA, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,058, with out-of-state students paying around $34,484. Typical Economics student debt is $24,323. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $102,772. Set against $24,323 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 14% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus report

#48

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. The median Economics program debt is $21,228. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,054. Set against $21,228 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign profile

#49

University Of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

University Of Pennsylvania landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,686. Typical Economics student debt is $14,000. University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $111,371 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Pennsylvania admits about 5% of applicants. Get the full University Of Pennsylvania report

#49

Duke University

Durham, NC

Duke University came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Duke University is a private not-for-profit school based in Durham, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,758. Students borrow a median of $13,437 to complete their Economics program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $97,800. That is a strong return on a $13,437 median debt. Duke University has an acceptance rate of 6%. See the full Duke University profile