2026 Best Economics Doctoral Degree Schools

#1

Duke University

Durham, NC

Leading the list is Duke University, our #1 Economics school in the United States. Duke University is a private not-for-profit school based in Durham, NC. Duke University graduates 97% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $68,758 in tuition and fees. Typical Economics student debt is $13,437. Read more about Duke University

#2

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ

The strong Economics programs at Princeton University earned it the #2 place in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Princeton, NJ. The six-year graduation rate is 98%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,688. Princeton University Economics students take on a median of $11,250 in debt. Read more about Princeton University

#3

Rice University

Houston, TX

Out of the 937 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Rice University landed the #3 spot. Set in Houston, TX, Rice University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,247. Rice University Economics students take on a median of $11,289 in debt. More on Rice University

#4

Teachers College At Columbia University

New York, NY

The strong Economics programs at Teachers College At Columbia University earned it the #4 place in the United States. Based in New York, NY, Teachers College At Columbia University is a private not-for-profit institution. Read the full report on Teachers College At Columbia University

#5

Yale University

New Haven, CT

A rank of #5 makes Yale University one of the top choices in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in New Haven, CT. About 96% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $67,250. Graduates carry a median of $13,250 in student loans. See the full Yale University profile

#6

Cuny Graduate School And University Center

New York, NY

Cuny Graduate School And University Center ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best Economics schools. Based in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,235, compared with $15,185 for out-of-state students. Typical Economics student debt is $17,921. Read the full report on Cuny Graduate School And University Center

#7

University Of Chicago

Chicago, IL

University Of Chicago did well this year, earning the #7 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,324. The median Economics program debt is $13,197. Get the full University Of Chicago report

#8

Colorado School Of Mines

Golden, CO

Colorado School Of Mines ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best Economics schools. Colorado School Of Mines is a public school based in Golden, CO. Colorado School Of Mines posts a six-year graduation rate of 82%. In-state tuition and fees average $21,914, compared with $45,824 for out-of-state students. The median Economics program debt is $24,521. Read more about Colorado School Of Mines

#9

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA

Harvard University did well this year, earning the #9 position. Located in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. Harvard University posts a six-year graduation rate of 98%. Students from in state pay about $61,676 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $6,617 to complete their Economics program here. Read the full report on Harvard University

#10

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN

Vanderbilt University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best Economics schools. Located in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 94%. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,498. Students borrow a median of $12,424 to complete their Economics program here. See the full Vanderbilt University profile

#11

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL

Northwestern University landed the #11 spot in the United States this year. Based in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. Students from in state pay about $68,322 in tuition and fees. Typical Economics student debt is $16,227. Read more about Northwestern University

#12

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD

Johns Hopkins University landed the #12 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Baltimore, MD. About 94% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $64,730. Students borrow a median of $12,494 to complete their Economics program here. Read the full report on Johns Hopkins University

#13

University Of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN

University Of Notre Dame did well this year, earning the #13 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Notre Dame, IN. About 95% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $65,025 in tuition and fees. Typical Economics student debt is $19,965. Read more about University Of Notre Dame

#14

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA

Carnegie Mellon University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best Economics schools. Set in Pittsburgh, PA, Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit institution. Carnegie Mellon University posts a six-year graduation rate of 94%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,636. Typical Economics student debt is $22,020. Read more about Carnegie Mellon University

#15

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

Cornell University came in at #15 in this year's ranking. Based in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 95% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $69,314 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $15,500 to complete their Economics program here. Read the full report on Cornell University

#16

University Of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

University Of Pennsylvania did well this year, earning the #16 position. University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,686. The median Economics program debt is $14,000. More on University Of Pennsylvania

#17

Stanford University

Stanford, CA

Stanford University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best Economics schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Stanford, CA. Stanford University posts a six-year graduation rate of 92%. Students from in state pay about $65,910 in tuition and fees. Typical Economics student debt is $12,500. See the full Stanford University profile

#18

University Of California Berkeley

Berkeley, CA

University Of California Berkeley ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best Economics schools. University Of California Berkeley is a public school based in Berkeley, CA. University Of California Berkeley posts a six-year graduation rate of 93%. In-state tuition and fees average $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. The median Economics program debt is $13,000. See the full University Of California Berkeley profile

#19

Brown University

Providence, RI

Brown University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best Economics schools. Based in Providence, RI, Brown University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 96% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $71,312. The median Economics program debt is $13,000. Read the full report on Brown University

#20

University Of Virginia Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA

University Of Virginia Main Campus came in at #20 in this year's ranking. Located in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. About 96% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $23,118, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. Get the full University Of Virginia Main Campus report

#21

Washington University In St Louis

St. Louis, MO

Washington University In St Louis ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best Economics schools. Located in St. Louis, MO, Washington University In St Louis is a private not-for-profit institution. Washington University In St Louis graduates 94% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,790. Graduates carry a median of $14,110 in student loans. See the full Washington University In St Louis profile

#22

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor did well this year, earning the #22 position. Set in Ann Arbor, MI, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public institution. Roughly 93% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,848, while out-of-state students pay about $63,081. Graduates carry a median of $19,690 in student loans. More on University Of Michigan Ann Arbor

#23

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University landed the #23 spot in the United States this year. Located in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. Michigan State University graduates 81% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,079, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. Students borrow a median of $24,250 to complete their Economics program here. See the full Michigan State University profile

#24

Georgetown University

Washington, DC

Georgetown University came in at #24 in this year's ranking. Based in Washington, DC, Georgetown University is a private not-for-profit institution. Georgetown University posts a six-year graduation rate of 95%. In-state tuition and fees average $68,089. The median Economics program debt is $16,500. Read more about Georgetown University

#25

Columbia University In The City Of New York

New York, NY

Columbia University In The City Of New York landed the #25 spot in the United States this year. Based in New York, NY, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit institution. Columbia University In The City Of New York graduates 96% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $70,517. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. More on Columbia University In The City Of New York

#26

Claremont Graduate University

Claremont, CA

Claremont Graduate University landed the #26 spot in the United States this year. Located in Claremont, CA, Claremont Graduate University is a private not-for-profit institution. More on Claremont Graduate University

#27

University Of Rochester

Rochester, NY

University Of Rochester ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best Economics schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Rochester, NY. About 85% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $67,080 in tuition and fees. The median Economics program debt is $19,946. See the full University Of Rochester profile

#28

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill landed the #28 spot in the United States this year. Set in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill graduates 91% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,994, with out-of-state students paying around $41,203. Graduates carry a median of $15,843 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

#29

Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA

Boston College came in at #29 in this year's ranking. Based in Chestnut Hill, MA, Boston College is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 91%. In-state tuition and fees run about $70,702. Students borrow a median of $18,000 to complete their Economics program here. Read more about Boston College

#30

University Of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA

University Of Southern California ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best Economics schools. Set in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. About 92% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $71,647 in tuition and fees. Typical Economics student debt is $14,000. More on University Of Southern California

#31

University Of California Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

University Of California Los Angeles came in at #31 in this year's ranking. University Of California Los Angeles is a public school based in Los Angeles, CA. Roughly 93% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. University Of California Los Angeles Economics students take on a median of $15,000 in debt. Get the full University Of California Los Angeles report

#32

University Of Wisconsin Madison

Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best Economics schools. This public school is set in Madison, WI. University Of Wisconsin Madison graduates 90% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. University Of Wisconsin Madison Economics students take on a median of $20,750 in debt. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison

#33

University Of California Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA

University Of California Santa Barbara placed #33 among Economics schools in the United States. Based in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. About 83% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,444, while out-of-state students pay about $47,332. Graduates carry a median of $13,516 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of California Santa Barbara

#34

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best Economics schools. Set in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign posts a six-year graduation rate of 85%. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,228 in student loans. More on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

#35

New York University

New York, NY

New York University landed the #35 spot in the United States this year. Located in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 88% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,796. Typical Economics student debt is $21,250. Read more about New York University

#36

Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus

Atlanta, GA

Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus placed #36 among Economics schools in the United States. This public school is set in Atlanta, GA. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 94%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,058, while out-of-state students pay about $34,484. The median Economics program debt is $24,323. See the full Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus profile

#37

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University

Blacksburg, VA

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University did well this year, earning the #37 position. Set in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. About 86% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,948, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University Economics students take on a median of $22,500 in debt. More on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University

#38

University Of Delaware

Newark, DE

University Of Delaware came in at #38 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Newark, DE. About 82% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $16,810 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. Typical Economics student debt is $25,261. Get the full University Of Delaware report

#39

The University Of Texas At Austin

Austin, TX

The University Of Texas At Austin ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best Economics schools. The University Of Texas At Austin is a public school based in Austin, TX. The University Of Texas At Austin posts a six-year graduation rate of 89%. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. The median Economics program debt is $21,125. See the full The University Of Texas At Austin profile

#40

Purdue University Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus did well this year, earning the #40 position. Based in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 83%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. The median Economics program debt is $24,700. Read the full report on Purdue University Main Campus

#41

North Carolina State University At Raleigh

Raleigh, NC

North Carolina State University At Raleigh placed #41 among Economics schools in the United States. North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public school based in Raleigh, NC. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. Typical Economics student debt is $22,113. See the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh profile

#42

University Of Washington Seattle Campus

Seattle, WA

University Of Washington Seattle Campus landed the #42 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Seattle, WA. University Of Washington Seattle Campus graduates 85% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. University Of Washington Seattle Campus Economics students take on a median of $14,166 in debt. See the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus profile

#43

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities came in at #43 in this year's ranking. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public school based in Minneapolis, MN. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities posts a six-year graduation rate of 85%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. More on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities

#44

University Of Maryland College Park

College Park, MD

University Of Maryland College Park ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best Economics schools. This public school is set in College Park, MD. University Of Maryland College Park graduates 89% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,809, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. Students borrow a median of $20,097 to complete their Economics program here. More on University Of Maryland College Park

#45

Iowa State University

Ames, IA

Iowa State University did well this year, earning the #45 position. This public school is set in Ames, IA. Iowa State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 75%. In-state tuition and fees average $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Graduates carry a median of $23,414 in student loans. See the full Iowa State University profile

#46

Indiana University Bloomington

Bloomington, IN

Indiana University Bloomington landed the #46 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Bloomington, IN. Indiana University Bloomington graduates 80% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,144, compared with $41,891 for out-of-state students. Indiana University Bloomington Economics students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. Read more about Indiana University Bloomington

#47

George Washington University

Washington, DC

George Washington University landed the #47 spot in the United States this year. George Washington University is a private not-for-profit school based in Washington, DC. About 84% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,710. Graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. Read more about George Washington University

#48

Boston University

Boston, MA

Boston University landed the #48 spot in the United States this year. Based in Boston, MA, Boston University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 89%. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,102. Typical Economics student debt is $24,500. Read more about Boston University

#49

University Of California Davis

Davis, CA

University Of California Davis placed #49 among Economics schools in the United States. This public school is set in Davis, CA. Roughly 86% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,804, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,000 to complete their Economics program here. More on University Of California Davis

#50

Southern Methodist University

Dallas, TX

Southern Methodist University came in at #50 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Dallas, TX. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,040. Typical Economics student debt is $19,500. Read more about Southern Methodist University