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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Value Consumer Economics Bachelor’s Degree Schools

3 Colleges in the United States
$22,009 Avg Student Debt
$60,816 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Consumer Economics Bachelor's Degree Badge [Consumer Economics](/majors/family-consumer-human-sciences/family-consumer-economics/consumer-economics/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 8 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for consumer economics students.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Consumer Economics Schools in the United States

If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the consumer economics degrees they offer, see the list below.

Best Value Consumer Economics Schools

1

Our analysis ranked University Of Georgia the best value for a degree in consumer economics in the United States. Set in the city of Athens, University Of Georgia is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. Consumer Economics graduates carry a median of $22,652 in student loans. Early-career consumer economics graduates make about $48,620. Set against $22,652 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted.

2

The University Of Tennessee is a great value for students pursuing a degree in consumer economics, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Knoxville, The University Of Tennessee is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,812, while out-of-state students pay about $33,256. Students borrow a median of $17,844 to complete the consumer economics program here. Early-career consumer economics graduates make about $43,014. That is a strong return on a $17,844 median debt. The acceptance rate is 42%.

3

Students looking for strong value in consumer economics will find it at South Dakota State University, which ranked #3. Located in the town of Brookings, South Dakota State University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,299, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. Students borrow a median of $23,789 to complete the consumer economics program here. Soon after graduation, consumer economics degree recipients from South Dakota State University generally make around $44,891. Set against $23,789 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%.

4

The University Of Alabama came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value consumer economics schools. Located in the city of Tuscaloosa, The University Of Alabama is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $12,180 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $34,172. Students borrow a median of $23,750 to complete the consumer economics program here. Consumer Economics graduates of The University Of Alabama earn a median of $50,740 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%.

Other Consumer Economics Degree Levels

Explore the best-value consumer economics schools at other degree levels:

All Degree Levels in Consumer Economics
Associate's Degrees in Consumer Economics
Master's Degrees in Consumer Economics
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View All Consumer Economics Rankings >

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Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 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 · 8 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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