2026 Best Value Economics Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Economics bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 937 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor reviewed schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Economics Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Brigham Young University Provo tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Economics bachelor's degree schools in the United States. Based in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. Students borrow a median of $11,000 to complete their Economics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,790. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Provo
A rank of #2 makes Brigham Young University Idaho one of the best values in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Rexburg, ID. In-state tuition and fees average $4,800. Brigham Young University Idaho Economics students take on a median of $13,287 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,406. That is a strong return on a $13,287 median debt. Brigham Young University Idaho admits about 96% of applicants. See the full Brigham Young University Idaho profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Park University earned it the #3 place in the United States. Park University is a private not-for-profit school based in Parkville, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,116. Students borrow a median of $22,112 to complete their Economics program here. 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 #4 spot. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Metropolitan State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,840. Metropolitan State University Economics students take on a median of $30,822 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,705 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 99%. Get the full Metropolitan State University report
Arizona State University Skysong came in at #5 on this year's best-value Economics ranking in the United States. Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. Typical Economics student debt is $16,430. Arizona State University Skysong alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. Set against $16,430 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University Skysong has an acceptance rate of 67%. Get the full Arizona State University Skysong report
University Of Wisconsin River Falls landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in River Falls, WI, University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,008, with out-of-state students paying around $17,470. Graduates carry a median of $24,245 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,458. That is a strong return on a $24,245 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Wisconsin River Falls profile
Fort Hays State University came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Fort Hays State University is a public school based in Hays, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $5,923, with out-of-state students paying around $17,741. Graduates carry a median of $25,967 in student loans. Median earnings reach $48,928 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full Fort Hays State University profile
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville placed #8 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. Located in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,092. The median Economics program debt is $23,917. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumni report median earnings of $56,346 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,917 median debt. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville profile
University Of North Dakota placed #9 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. 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, compared with $15,570 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,110 to complete their Economics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,552 ten years after entry. Set against $25,110 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Dakota has an acceptance rate of 77%. See the full University Of North Dakota profile
Western Illinois University placed #10 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. Based in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,572 in tuition and fees. Western Illinois University Economics students take on a median of $27,639 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,163. Set against $27,639 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Western Illinois University report
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Economics schools. This public school is set in Slippery Rock, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $10,568, compared with $14,676 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,330 to complete their Economics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,032 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Minnesota Morris landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Morris, MN, University Of Minnesota Morris is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,526, with out-of-state students paying around $16,710. The median Economics program debt is $21,080. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,919. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Minnesota Morris has an acceptance rate of 75%. Get the full University Of Minnesota Morris report
Minnesota State University Moorhead landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Moorhead, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,428. The median Economics program debt is $24,447. Median earnings reach $50,527 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 59% of those who apply are admitted. More on Minnesota State University Moorhead
South Dakota State University landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,299, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. The median Economics program debt is $26,062. Median earnings reach $55,070 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,062 median debt. South Dakota State University has an acceptance rate of 98%. Get the full South Dakota State University report
Winona State University offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Based in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,576, while out-of-state students pay about $17,308. Winona State University Economics students take on a median of $24,551 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,532. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read more about Winona State University
North Dakota State University Main Campus ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Economics schools. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public school based in Fargo, ND. Students from in state pay about $10,910 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. Typical Economics student debt is $25,153. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,203 ten years after entry. Set against $25,153 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Dakota State University Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants. Get the full North Dakota State University Main Campus report
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Economics schools. Set in Oshkosh, WI, University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,532, while out-of-state students pay about $16,446. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,548 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh admits about 86% of applicants. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh report
University Of Akron Main Campus placed #18 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. University Of Akron Main Campus is a public school based in Akron, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,135, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. Students borrow a median of $25,347 to complete their Economics program here. Median earnings reach $46,600 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,347 median debt. University Of Akron Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 60%. Read more about University Of Akron Main Campus
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Whitewater, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,616, with out-of-state students paying around $18,716. Typical Economics student debt is $21,698. Median earnings reach $55,356 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Whitewater report
University Of Northern Iowa placed #20 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. This public school is set in Cedar Falls, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,936, with out-of-state students paying around $21,712. Students borrow a median of $17,169 to complete their Economics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,177 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,169 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%. See the full University Of Northern Iowa profile
Youngstown State University landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Youngstown State University is a public school based in Youngstown, OH. Students from in state pay about $9,926 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. Typical Economics student debt is $26,373. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,544 ten years after entry. Set against $26,373 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Youngstown State University has an acceptance rate of 84%. See the full Youngstown State University profile
Truman State University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Located in Kirksville, MO, Truman State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,838, while out-of-state students pay about $18,566. The median Economics program debt is $23,168. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,280 ten years after entry. Set against $23,168 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%. More on Truman State University
Northwest Missouri State University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Northwest Missouri State University is a public school based in Maryville, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,611, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,585 in student loans. Northwest Missouri State University alumni report median earnings of $47,885 a decade after entry. Set against $23,585 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. Get the full Northwest Missouri State University report
Southern Illinois University Carbondale placed #24 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. Located in Carbondale, IL, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,334. Graduates carry a median of $25,049 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,390. Set against $25,049 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Southern Illinois University Carbondale
University Of South Dakota landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,432, while out-of-state students pay about $12,942. Students borrow a median of $20,819 to complete their Economics program here. Ten years after enrolling, 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. More on University Of South Dakota
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Economics Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
University Of Wisconsin La Crosse placed #26 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. Set in La Crosse, WI, University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,070, compared with $19,517 for out-of-state students. The median Economics program debt is $25,000. Median earnings reach $60,378 ten years out. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse admits about 76% of applicants. Read more about University Of Wisconsin La Crosse
Eastern Illinois University landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Charleston, IL, Eastern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,377, compared with $15,859 for out-of-state students. Typical Economics student debt is $24,293. Median earnings reach $51,989 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,293 median debt. The acceptance rate is 65%. Read the full report on Eastern Illinois University
Cuny York College placed #28 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. Located in Jamaica, NY, Cuny York College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,358, compared with $15,308 for out-of-state students. The median Economics program debt is $12,573. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,945. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny York College admits about 64% of applicants. Read the full report on Cuny York College
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Shippensburg, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,570, with out-of-state students paying around $15,824. Typical Economics student debt is $26,307. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $56,351 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,307 median debt. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania admits about 86% of applicants. More on Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania
Central Michigan University landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Central Michigan University is a public school based in Mount Pleasant, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,480. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,874. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read more about Central Michigan University
Southeast Missouri State University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Southeast Missouri State University is a public school based in Cape Girardeau, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,903. Students borrow a median of $23,289 to complete their Economics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,030 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southeast Missouri State University has an acceptance rate of 74%. More on Southeast Missouri State University
California State University Channel Islands offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Based in Camarillo, CA, California State University Channel Islands is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,159, with out-of-state students paying around $19,759. Graduates carry a median of $16,997 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,152 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,997 median debt. California State University Channel Islands has an acceptance rate of 95%. More on California State University Channel Islands
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire placed #33 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a public school based in Eau Claire, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,642, while out-of-state students pay about $19,228. Typical Economics student debt is $21,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,561 ten years after entry. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire
California State University East Bay came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Located in Hayward, CA, California State University East Bay is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,583, with out-of-state students paying around $20,183. Graduates carry a median of $18,073 in student loans. California State University East Bay alumni report median earnings of $71,401 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Get the full California State University East Bay report
Minnesota State University Mankato landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Mankato, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,474 in student loans. Minnesota State University Mankato alumni report median earnings of $56,922 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,474 median debt. Minnesota State University Mankato admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Mankato
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Economics schools. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public school based in Stevens Point, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,228, compared with $18,248 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,161 to complete their Economics program here. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point alumni report median earnings of $52,021 a decade after entry. Set against $24,161 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point has an acceptance rate of 92%. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point
Northern Illinois University placed #37 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. Based in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Students borrow a median of $25,879 to complete their Economics program here. Median earnings reach $57,808 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Northern Illinois University
Arkansas State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Located in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,090, with out-of-state students paying around $14,522. Typical Economics student debt is $23,399. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,617 ten years after entry. Set against $23,399 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Arkansas State University Main Campus
Indiana State University placed #39 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. This public school is set in Terre Haute, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,258, while out-of-state students pay about $22,322. Students borrow a median of $25,582 to complete their Economics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,387 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. More on Indiana State University
University Of Minnesota Duluth ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Economics schools. University Of Minnesota Duluth is a public school based in Duluth, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,608, while out-of-state students pay about $20,134. Graduates carry a median of $25,250 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,616. Set against $25,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Minnesota Duluth
Utah State University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Economics schools. Utah State University is a public school based in Logan, UT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,560, with out-of-state students paying around $24,993. Students borrow a median of $15,250 to complete their Economics program here. Utah State University alumni report median earnings of $54,022 a decade after entry. Set against $15,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. More on Utah State University
Claremont Mckenna College landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Claremont, CA, Claremont Mckenna College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,980. The median Economics program debt is $12,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $104,736. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 10% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Claremont Mckenna College
California State University Fresno landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Located 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. Students borrow a median of $16,110 to complete their Economics program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,244. That is a strong return on a $16,110 median debt. California State University Fresno admits about 95% of applicants. Read the full report on California State University Fresno
University Of Southern Indiana placed #45 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. Based in Evansville, IN, University Of Southern Indiana is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,066, compared with $22,907 for out-of-state students. The median Economics program debt is $21,999. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,605. Set against $21,999 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Southern Indiana
San Jose State University placed #47 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. Located in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,410, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,988 ten years after entry. San Jose State University admits about 85% of applicants. See the full San Jose State University profile
Missouri State University Springfield offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Missouri State University Springfield is a public school based in Springfield, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,502, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. Missouri State University Springfield Economics students take on a median of $19,793 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,827 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Missouri State University Springfield report
University Of Wisconsin Green Bay offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Based in Green Bay, WI, University Of Wisconsin Green Bay is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,700, while out-of-state students pay about $17,288. Graduates carry a median of $24,477 in student loans. Median earnings reach $52,528 ten years out. Set against $24,477 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Green Bay admits about 89% of applicants. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Green Bay
Eastern Michigan University came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Based in Ypsilanti, MI, Eastern Michigan University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,990. Eastern Michigan University Economics students take on a median of $26,536 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,793. Set against $26,536 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%. Read more about Eastern Michigan University
Colorado School Of Mines offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Located in Golden, CO, Colorado School Of Mines is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $21,914, compared with $45,824 for out-of-state students. Colorado School Of Mines Economics students take on a median of $24,521 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $97,335. Set against $24,521 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Colorado School Of Mines report
University Of Wisconsin Parkside came in at #52 in this year's value ranking. University Of Wisconsin Parkside is a public school based in Kenosha, WI. Students from in state pay about $8,270 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,429 for out-of-state students. Typical Economics student debt is $24,485. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,129 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,485 median debt. The acceptance rate is 75%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Parkside report
Related Economics Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Economics Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Economics Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Economics Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Economics Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Economics Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Economics Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Economics Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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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