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2026 Best Value Applied Economics Schools in the Great Lakes Region
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in applied economics, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Applied Economics Schools
Leading the list is University Of Michigan Ann Arbor, our #1 best value for applied economics in the Great Lakes Region. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public school located in the city of Ann Arbor. Students from in state pay about $18,848 in tuition and fees, compared with $63,081 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,690 to complete the applied economics program here. Soon after graduation, applied economics degree recipients from University Of Michigan Ann Arbor generally make around $68,416. Set against $19,690 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor admits about 16% of applicants.
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value applied economics schools. Located in the town of Whitewater, University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,616, compared with $18,716 for out-of-state students. Applied Economics graduates carry a median of $21,698 in student loans. Soon after graduation, applied economics degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Whitewater generally make around $45,767. Set against $21,698 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%.
Ball State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in applied economics, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Muncie, Ball State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,082, while out-of-state students pay about $29,630. Students borrow a median of $22,054 to complete the applied economics program here. Early-career applied economics graduates make about $56,782. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ball State University admits about 86% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Western Michigan University earned it the #4 place for applied economics. Set in the city of Kalamazoo, Western Michigan University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,987, while out-of-state students pay about $19,952. Typical student debt for applied economics graduates is $27,981. Soon after graduation, applied economics degree recipients from Western Michigan University generally make around $48,966. Set against $27,981 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in applied economics will find it at Bowling Green State University Main Campus, which ranked #5. Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a large public school located in the town of Bowling Green. Students from in state pay about $13,912 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,900 for out-of-state students. Applied Economics graduates carry a median of $23,625 in student loans. Soon after graduation, applied economics degree recipients from Bowling Green State University Main Campus generally make around $52,864. Set against $23,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.
ADBLOCK #101
Valparaiso University landed the #6 spot for applied economics value this year. Valparaiso University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Valparaiso. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $48,450. Typical student debt for applied economics graduates is $26,724. Applied Economics graduates of Valparaiso University earn a median of $51,987 early in their careers. Set against $26,724 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%.
Depaul University placed #7 among the best values for applied economics. Located in the city of Chicago, Depaul University is a very large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $45,405. Applied Economics graduates carry a median of $22,433 in student loans. Soon after graduation, applied economics degree recipients from Depaul University generally make around $55,226. That is a strong return on a $22,433 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.
Narrow Applied Economics Schools by State
[Applied Economics](/majors/social-sciences/economics/applied-economics/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
