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