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2026 Best Value Applied Economics Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the applied economics degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Applied Economics Schools
Farmingdale State College earned the #1 spot for value among applied economics schools in the Middle Atlantic Region. Set in the suburb of Farmingdale, Farmingdale State College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,626 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,536. Typical student debt for applied economics graduates is $19,528. Early-career applied economics graduates make about $50,374. That is a strong return on a $19,528 median debt. The acceptance rate is 63%.
University At Buffalo came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value applied economics schools. Located in the suburb of Buffalo, University At Buffalo is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,936, compared with $31,536 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for applied economics graduates is $20,225. Early-career applied economics graduates make about $52,403. Set against $20,225 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 74%.
A rank of #3 makes Suny College At Buffalo one of the best values for applied economics. Suny College At Buffalo is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Buffalo. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,533, compared with $19,653 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the applied economics program here. Applied Economics graduates of Suny College At Buffalo earn a median of $41,547 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Suny College At Buffalo admits about 73% of applicants.
Suny At Binghamton came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value applied economics schools. Set in the suburb of Vestal, Suny At Binghamton is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,567 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $30,447. Applied Economics graduates carry a median of $19,919 in student loans. Early-career applied economics graduates make about $51,502. Set against $19,919 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted.
Ursinus College came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value applied economics schools. Located in the suburb of Collegeville, Ursinus College is a small private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $61,061 in tuition and fees. Applied Economics graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Applied Economics graduates of Ursinus College earn a median of $52,496 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 92%.
ADBLOCK #101
Carnegie Mellon University landed the #6 spot for applied economics value this year. Carnegie Mellon University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Pittsburgh. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,636. Students borrow a median of $22,020 to complete the applied economics program here. Applied Economics graduates of Carnegie Mellon University earn a median of $86,284 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Carnegie Mellon University admits about 12% of applicants.
Georgetown University landed the #7 spot for applied economics value this year. Set in the city of Washington, Georgetown University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,089. Students borrow a median of $16,500 to complete the applied economics program here. Applied Economics graduates of Georgetown University earn a median of $81,892 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 13%.
Narrow Applied Economics Schools by State
[Applied Economics](/majors/social-sciences/economics/applied-economics/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
