2026 Best Value Applied Economics Schools in the Southwest Region

1

New Mexico State University Main Campus
Las Cruces, NM

Our analysis ranked New Mexico State University Main Campus the best value for a degree in applied economics in the Southwest Region. Set in the suburb of Las Cruces, New Mexico State University Main Campus is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,183 in tuition and fees, compared with $25,307 for out-of-state students. Applied Economics graduates carry a median of $19,026 in student loans. Early-career applied economics graduates make about $41,860. Set against $19,026 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.

2

University Of Houston
Houston, TX

University Of Houston is a great value for students pursuing a degree in applied economics, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Houston, University Of Houston is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,717 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. Applied Economics graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, applied economics degree recipients from University Of Houston generally make around $50,820. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of Arizona
Tucson, AZ

University Of Arizona came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value applied economics schools. Located in the city of Tucson, University Of Arizona is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $13,573, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. Applied Economics graduates carry a median of $19,610 in student loans. Early-career applied economics graduates make about $47,908. That is a strong return on a $19,610 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

4

University Of Central Oklahoma
Edmond, OK

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Central Oklahoma earned it the #4 place for applied economics. Located in the suburb of Edmond, University Of Central Oklahoma is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $8,818 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,704. Applied Economics graduates carry a median of $23,321 in student loans. Soon after graduation, applied economics degree recipients from University Of Central Oklahoma generally make around $44,085. That is a strong return on a $23,321 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.

5

Southern Methodist University
Dallas, TX

Students looking for strong value in applied economics will find it at Southern Methodist University, which ranked #5. Southern Methodist University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Dallas. Students from in state pay about $67,040 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for applied economics graduates is $19,500. Soon after graduation, applied economics degree recipients from Southern Methodist University generally make around $70,632. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. Southern Methodist University admits about 63% of applicants.