2026 Best Value Economics Doctoral Degree Schools

#1

Cuny Graduate School And University Center

New York, NY

Cuny Graduate School And University Center tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Economics doctoral degree schools in the United States. Located in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,235 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,185. The median Economics program debt is $17,921. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,991 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Cuny Graduate School And University Center report

#2

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL

A rank of #2 makes Northern Illinois University one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Dekalb, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,060. The median Economics program debt is $25,879. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,808. Set against $25,879 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants. Get the full Northern Illinois University report

#3

University Of Delaware

Newark, DE

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Delaware earned it the #3 place in the United States. Located in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,810, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. The median Economics program debt is $25,261. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,950. Set against $25,261 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 71%. See the full University Of Delaware profile

#4

University Of California Berkeley

Berkeley, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of California Berkeley earned it the #4 place in the United States. This public school is set in Berkeley, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,000 to complete their Economics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,446. Set against $13,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 11%. See the full University Of California Berkeley profile

#5

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

Cornell University came in at #5 on this year's best-value Economics ranking in the United States. Located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $104,043. That is a strong return on a $15,500 median debt. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Cornell University

#6

Teachers College At Columbia University

New York, NY

Teachers College At Columbia University came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Based 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. Get the full Teachers College At Columbia University report

#7

The University Of Texas At Austin

Austin, TX

The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. The University Of Texas At Austin is a public school based in Austin, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Students borrow a median of $21,125 to complete their Economics program here. Median earnings reach $75,121 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,125 median debt. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Austin

#8

University Of Nebraska Lincoln

Lincoln, NE

University Of Nebraska Lincoln placed #8 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. Based in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,386 to complete their Economics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,887. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nebraska Lincoln has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln profile

#9

University Of Wisconsin Madison

Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Economics schools. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. The median Economics program debt is $20,750. Median earnings reach $73,792 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Madison has an acceptance rate of 45%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison

#10

Colorado School Of Mines

Golden, CO

Colorado School Of Mines ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Economics schools. Located in Golden, CO, Colorado School Of Mines is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $21,914, with out-of-state students paying around $45,824. Typical Economics student debt is $24,521. Graduates go on to earn a median of $97,335 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,521 median debt. The acceptance rate is 61%. See the full Colorado School Of Mines profile

#11

University Of Virginia Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA

University Of Virginia Main Campus ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Economics schools. University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public school based in Charlottesville, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,118, with out-of-state students paying around $61,591. University Of Virginia Main Campus Economics students take on a median of $19,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $86,863. That is a strong return on a $19,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 17%. Get the full University Of Virginia Main Campus report

#12

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX

Texas Tech University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Economics schools. Set in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,852 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Students borrow a median of $27,125 to complete their Economics program here. Texas Tech University alumni report median earnings of $62,454 a decade after entry. 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

#13

University Of California Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

University Of California Los Angeles placed #13 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. This public school is set in Los Angeles, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,233, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. University Of California Los Angeles Economics students take on a median of $15,000 in debt. University Of California Los Angeles alumni report median earnings of $82,511 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of California Los Angeles profile

#14

Yale University

New Haven, CT

Yale University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in New Haven, CT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,250. Typical Economics student debt is $13,250. Median earnings reach $100,533 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Yale University has an acceptance rate of 4%. See the full Yale University profile

#14

University Of California Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA

University Of California Santa Barbara offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Located in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,444, while out-of-state students pay about $47,332. Typical Economics student debt is $13,516. University Of California Santa Barbara alumni report median earnings of $74,915 a decade after entry. Set against $13,516 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Santa Barbara has an acceptance rate of 33%. See the full University Of California Santa Barbara profile

#16

Rice University

Houston, TX

Rice University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Based in Houston, TX, Rice University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,247. Graduates carry a median of $11,289 in student loans. A decade after starting, 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 the full report on Rice University

#17

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill placed #17 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public school based in Chapel Hill, NC. Students from in state pay about $8,994 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,203 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,843 to complete their Economics program here. Median earnings reach $72,200 ten years out. Set against $15,843 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 15%. More on University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

#18

University Of Wyoming

Laramie, WY

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

#19

University Of Houston

Houston, TX

University Of Houston ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Economics schools. University Of Houston is a public school based in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,717, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. University Of Houston Economics students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,377 ten years after entry. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Houston admits about 74% of applicants. Read more about University Of Houston

#20

University Of Nevada Reno

Reno, NV

University Of Nevada Reno offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Based in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,578, compared with $27,720 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,950 to complete their Economics program here. University Of Nevada Reno alumni report median earnings of $60,614 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Nevada Reno

#20

University Of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

University Of Pennsylvania landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. Students from in state pay about $68,686 in tuition and fees. The median Economics program debt is $14,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $111,371. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Pennsylvania report

#22

Clemson University

Clemson, SC

Clemson University placed #22 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. Located in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,554, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,250 in student loans. Clemson University alumni report median earnings of $71,513 a decade after entry. Set against $22,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Clemson University admits about 38% of applicants. Get the full Clemson University report

#23

Iowa State University

Ames, IA

Iowa State University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Economics schools. This public school is set in Ames, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. The median Economics program debt is $23,414. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,386. Set against $23,414 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Iowa State University has an acceptance rate of 89%. Get the full Iowa State University report

#24

Purdue University Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Economics schools. Located in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Students borrow a median of $24,700 to complete their Economics program here. Purdue University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $72,424 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Purdue University Main Campus

#25

North Carolina State University At Raleigh

Raleigh, NC

North Carolina State University At Raleigh came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Raleigh, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. Graduates carry a median of $22,113 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,758. Set against $22,113 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 42%. See the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh profile

#25

Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA

Boston College offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Set in Chestnut Hill, MA, Boston College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $70,702. Graduates carry a median of $18,000 in student loans. 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 has an acceptance rate of 16%. Read the full report on Boston College

#25

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA

Carnegie Mellon University came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Based in Pittsburgh, PA, Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,636. Graduates carry a median of $22,020 in student loans. Carnegie Mellon University alumni report median earnings of $114,862 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,020 median debt. Carnegie Mellon University admits about 12% of applicants. See the full Carnegie Mellon University profile

#25

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #25 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. Set in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Typical Economics student debt is $21,228. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign alumni report median earnings of $81,054 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

#29

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Minneapolis, MN. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities Economics students take on a median of $21,500 in debt. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities alumni report median earnings of $69,020 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities has an acceptance rate of 80%. See the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities profile

#30

Duke University

Durham, NC

Duke University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Based in Durham, NC, Duke University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,758. Students borrow a median of $13,437 to complete their Economics program here. Duke University alumni report median earnings of $97,800 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 6%. Get the full Duke University report

#31

Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus

Atlanta, GA

Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus placed #31 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. Set in Atlanta, GA, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,058 in tuition and fees, compared with $34,484 for out-of-state students. Typical Economics student debt is $24,323. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $102,772 a decade after entry. Set against $24,323 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 14%. Get the full Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus report

#32

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University

Blacksburg, VA

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University placed #32 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. Set in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,948, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. Typical Economics student debt is $22,500. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University alumni report median earnings of $81,698 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University admits about 55% of applicants. More on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University

#32

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus

Norman, OK

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Set in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,797, compared with $27,377 for out-of-state students. Typical Economics student debt is $19,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,126. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus report

#34

University Of California Davis

Davis, CA

University Of California Davis landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Davis, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,804, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. The median Economics program debt is $13,000. University Of California Davis alumni report median earnings of $80,838 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,000 median debt. University Of California Davis admits about 42% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of California Davis

#34

Texas A And M University College Station

College Station, TX

Texas A And M University College Station placed #34 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their Economics program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,097. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile

#34

Claremont Graduate University

Claremont, CA

Claremont Graduate University offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Based in Claremont, CA, Claremont Graduate University is a private not-for-profit institution. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,372. See the full Claremont Graduate University profile

#34

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ

Princeton University placed #34 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. Set in Princeton, NJ, Princeton University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $62,688. Students borrow a median of $11,250 to complete their Economics program here. Princeton University alumni report median earnings of $110,066 a decade after entry. Set against $11,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 5% of those who apply are admitted. More on Princeton University

#38

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA

Harvard University came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Located in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $61,676. Students borrow a median of $6,617 to complete their Economics program here. Median earnings reach $101,817 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Harvard University

#38

University Of Washington Seattle Campus

Seattle, WA

University Of Washington Seattle Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. This public school is set in Seattle, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Students borrow a median of $14,166 to complete their Economics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,466 ten years after entry. Set against $14,166 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Washington Seattle Campus

#40

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN

Vanderbilt University placed #40 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit school based in Nashville, TN. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,498. Vanderbilt University Economics students take on a median of $12,424 in debt. Vanderbilt University alumni report median earnings of $91,565 a decade after entry. Set against $12,424 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 6%. Read more about Vanderbilt University

#41

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,079, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. Graduates carry a median of $24,250 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,253 ten years after entry. Set against $24,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Michigan State University

#42

University Of Missouri Columbia

Columbia, MO

University Of Missouri Columbia ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Economics schools. This public school is set in Columbia, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. University Of Missouri Columbia Economics students take on a median of $18,815 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,403. Set against $18,815 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Missouri Columbia has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read more about University Of Missouri Columbia

#42

University Of California San Diego

La Jolla, CA

University Of California San Diego placed #42 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. Located in La Jolla, CA, University Of California San Diego is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,788 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. Graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $84,943 ten years out. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of California San Diego

#44

Arizona State University

Tempe, AZ

Arizona State University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Set in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Arizona State University Economics students take on a median of $16,430 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Arizona State University

#45

Northeastern University

Boston, MA

Northeastern University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Based in Boston, MA, Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $66,162. The median Economics program debt is $24,500. Northeastern University alumni report median earnings of $92,538 a decade after entry. Set against $24,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northeastern University has an acceptance rate of 5%. More on Northeastern University

#46

University Of South Florida Main Campus

Tampa, FL

University Of South Florida Main Campus ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Economics schools. Set in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,410, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. The median Economics program debt is $22,925. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,743. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of South Florida Main Campus

#46

Washington State University

Pullman, WA

Washington State University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Economics schools. Based in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,391 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,950. Graduates carry a median of $25,656 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,905 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Washington State University admits about 87% of applicants. More on Washington State University

#48

University Of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT

University Of Utah landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,620, with out-of-state students paying around $30,860. The median Economics program debt is $16,642. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,170. Set against $16,642 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Utah

#49

George Washington University

Washington, DC

George Washington University came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. George Washington University is a private not-for-profit school based in Washington, DC. In-state tuition and fees average $67,710. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete their Economics program here. George Washington University alumni report median earnings of $90,873 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 47% of applicants are accepted. More on George Washington University

#50

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL

Northwestern University placed #50 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. Set in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,322. Northwestern University Economics students take on a median of $16,227 in debt. Northwestern University alumni report median earnings of $89,363 a decade after entry. Set against $16,227 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 8%. Read the full report on Northwestern University