2026 Best Value Economics Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Economics master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 937 institutions 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.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor analyzed 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Youngstown State University this year in the United States. Set in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,926 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. The median Economics program debt is $26,373. Youngstown State University alumni report median earnings of $41,544 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,373 median debt. Youngstown State University admits about 84% of applicants. More on Youngstown State University
A rank of #2 makes Illinois State University one of the best values in the United States. Set in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,117 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Illinois State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. More on Illinois State University
Cuny Graduate School And University Center came in at #3 on this year's best-value Economics ranking in the United States. This public school is set in New York, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $7,235, while out-of-state students pay about $15,185. Typical Economics student debt is $17,921. Cuny Graduate School And University Center alumni report median earnings of $65,991 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,921 median debt. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Cuny Graduate School And University Center report
A rank of #4 makes North Dakota State University Main Campus one of the best values in the United States. Based in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. Typical Economics student debt is $25,153. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,203. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Dakota State University Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants. Read the full report on North Dakota State University Main Campus
Out of the 937 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Valparaiso University landed the #5 spot. 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. The median Economics program debt is $26,724. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,191. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. See the full Valparaiso University profile
Western Illinois University placed #6 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. Western Illinois University is a public school based in Macomb, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,572. Typical Economics student debt is $27,639. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,163. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 71%. Read the full report on Western Illinois University
University Of Delaware offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Set in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,810, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. Graduates carry a median of $25,261 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,950. Set against $25,261 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 71%. Get the full University Of Delaware report
Northern Illinois University came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Located in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,060 in tuition and fees. Typical Economics student debt is $25,879. Median earnings reach $57,808 ten years out. Set against $25,879 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Northern Illinois University
University Of North Dakota offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. This public school is set in Grand Forks, ND. Students from in state pay about $10,951 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. The median Economics program debt is $25,110. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,552. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of North Dakota
Teachers College At Columbia University offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,294. Read the full report on Teachers College At Columbia University
Saint Cloud State University landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,245. Graduates carry a median of $25,076 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,813. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 95%. See the full Saint Cloud State University profile
Cornell University landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,314. The median Economics program debt is $15,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $104,043. Set against $15,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 9%. Read the full report on Cornell University
Marquette University offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Based in Milwaukee, WI, Marquette University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $51,170. Marquette University Economics students take on a median of $23,718 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,257. That is a strong return on a $23,718 median debt. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Marquette University
California State University East Bay came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Set in Hayward, CA, California State University East Bay is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,583, compared with $20,183 for out-of-state students. California State University East Bay Economics students take on a median of $18,073 in debt. Median earnings reach $71,401 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $18,073 median debt. The acceptance rate is 97%. Get the full California State University East Bay report
University Of California Berkeley landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,377 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Students borrow a median of $13,000 to complete their Economics program here. University Of California Berkeley alumni report median earnings of $92,446 a decade after entry. Set against $13,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Berkeley has an acceptance rate of 11%. See the full University Of California Berkeley profile
South Dakota State University landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Brookings, SD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,299, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. Students borrow a median of $26,062 to complete their Economics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,070. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 98%. More on South Dakota State University
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Located in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,161, while out-of-state students pay about $33,230. Students borrow a median of $18,500 to complete their Economics program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $90,768. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo has an acceptance rate of 31%. See the full California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo profile
University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,750 to complete their Economics program here. Median earnings reach $73,792 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of Nebraska Lincoln landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. Graduates carry a median of $22,386 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,887. That is a strong return on a $22,386 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Colorado School Of Mines landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. Typical Economics student debt is $24,521. Median earnings reach $97,335 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Colorado School Of Mines has an acceptance rate of 61%. Read more about Colorado School Of Mines
The University Of Texas At Austin ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Economics schools. The University Of Texas At Austin is a public school based in Austin, TX. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. The University Of Texas At Austin Economics students take on a median of $21,125 in debt. The University Of Texas At Austin alumni report median earnings of $75,121 a decade after entry. Set against $21,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. More on The University Of Texas At Austin
University Of Houston came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Set in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,717, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. University Of Houston Economics students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,377 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Houston
Central Michigan University came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Located in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,480. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,874 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Central Michigan University
University Of Nebraska At Omaha ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Economics schools. Based in Omaha, NE, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,718, with out-of-state students paying around $23,206. Typical Economics student debt is $21,783. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,909. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nebraska At Omaha has an acceptance rate of 87%. Read more about University Of Nebraska At Omaha
San Jose State University came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in San Jose, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,410, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,988 ten years after entry. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on San Jose State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Economics Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Texas A And M University College Station offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Located in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $72,097 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. Texas A And M University College Station admits about 57% of applicants. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station
University Of California Los Angeles landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of California Los Angeles is a public school based in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. The median Economics program debt is $15,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,511 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. University Of California Los Angeles admits about 9% of applicants. More on University Of California Los Angeles
University Of Virginia Main Campus came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Charlottesville, VA. Students from in state pay about $23,118 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $61,591. Students borrow a median of $19,000 to complete their Economics program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $86,863. Set against $19,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 17% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Virginia Main Campus
University Of North Texas came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Set in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,309, compared with $21,149 for out-of-state students. University Of North Texas Economics students take on a median of $23,619 in debt. Median earnings reach $57,010 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Texas admits about 72% of applicants. See the full University Of North Texas profile
Rice University offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Rice University is a private not-for-profit school based in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,247. Rice University Economics students take on a median of $11,289 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $89,718. Set against $11,289 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 8%. Read the full report on Rice University
Texas Tech University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. The median Economics program debt is $27,125. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,454. Set against $27,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas Tech University has an acceptance rate of 73%. Get the full Texas Tech University report
University Of California Irvine landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Irvine, CA, University Of California Irvine is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,752, with out-of-state students paying around $46,640. Students borrow a median of $15,499 to complete their Economics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $80,735. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 29% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of California Irvine
Bowling Green State University Main Campus landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Bowling Green, OH, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,912, compared with $21,900 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,625 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,896 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bowling Green State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 81%. See the full Bowling Green State University Main Campus profile
Yale University placed #33 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. Set in New Haven, CT, Yale University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $67,250 in tuition and fees. The median Economics program debt is $13,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $100,533. Set against $13,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 4%. Get the full Yale University report
University Of South Florida Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Located 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. University Of South Florida Main Campus Economics students take on a median of $22,925 in debt. Median earnings reach $57,743 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,925 median debt. About 43% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of South Florida Main Campus profile
University Of California Santa Barbara ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Economics schools. Based in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,444, with out-of-state students paying around $47,332. The median Economics program debt is $13,516. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,915. That is a strong return on a $13,516 median debt. About 33% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of California Santa Barbara report
University Of Nevada Reno landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,578, with out-of-state students paying around $27,720. Graduates carry a median of $22,950 in student loans. University Of Nevada Reno alumni report median earnings of $60,614 a decade after entry. Set against $22,950 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Nevada Reno
Purdue University Main Campus landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Graduates carry a median of $24,700 in student loans. Median earnings reach $72,424 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 50% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Purdue University Main Campus
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Economics schools. Based in Charlotte, NC, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,239, while out-of-state students pay about $22,492. Graduates carry a median of $24,673 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,289 ten years after entry. Set against $24,673 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte has an acceptance rate of 80%. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
University Of Wyoming landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,768, with out-of-state students paying around $24,178. Students borrow a median of $20,283 to complete their Economics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,880. Set against $20,283 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Wyoming
Boston College placed #40 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. Located 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. Typical Economics student debt is $18,000. Median earnings reach $103,937 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $18,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 16%. Read more about Boston College
Suny At Binghamton offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Located in Vestal, NY, Suny At Binghamton is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,567, while out-of-state students pay about $30,447. The median Economics program debt is $19,919. Graduates go on to earn a median of $80,596 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 39%. Get the full Suny At Binghamton report
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Milwaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $10,398, compared with $22,398 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $54,990 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
San Diego State University offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Based in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,728, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. The median Economics program debt is $15,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,909. Set against $15,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 36%. Get the full San Diego State University report
University Of California San Diego offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Located in La Jolla, CA, University Of California San Diego is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,788, compared with $47,676 for out-of-state students. Typical Economics student debt is $15,000. University Of California San Diego alumni report median earnings of $84,943 a decade after entry. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 27%. Get the full University Of California San Diego report
Clemson University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Based in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,554, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. Clemson University Economics students take on a median of $22,250 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,513. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. More on Clemson University
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. 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, while out-of-state students pay about $34,484. Graduates carry a median of $24,323 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $102,772 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,323 median debt. Roughly 14% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Economics schools. This public school is set in Champaign, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,228 to complete their Economics program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,054. That is a strong return on a $21,228 median debt. The acceptance rate is 42%. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Duke University placed #49 among the best-value Economics schools in the United States. Based in Durham, NC, Duke University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $68,758. Graduates carry a median of $13,437 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $97,800. That is a strong return on a $13,437 median debt. Duke University admits about 6% of applicants. Get the full Duke University report
University Of Pennsylvania landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $68,686. The median Economics program debt is $14,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $111,371 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,000 median debt. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Pennsylvania
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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Economics Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Economics Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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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