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2026 Best Value General Economics Schools in Indiana

5 Colleges in the United States
$23,191 Avg Student Debt
$61,251 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value General Economics Badge [General Economics](/majors/social-sciences/economics/economics-general/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong general economics education at a price that pays off.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 20 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for general economics students.

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2026 Best Value General Economics Schools in Indiana

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in general economics, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value General Economics Schools

1

Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis earned the #1 spot for value among general economics schools in Indiana. Located in the city of Indianapolis, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,762, while out-of-state students pay about $34,891. Students borrow a median of $18,711 to complete the general economics program here. Early-career general economics graduates make about $45,443. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.

2

Students looking for strong value in general economics will find it at University Of Southern Indiana, which ranked #2. University Of Southern Indiana is a large public school located in the suburb of Evansville. In-state tuition and fees average $10,066, while out-of-state students pay about $22,907. Students borrow a median of $21,999 to complete the general economics program here. General Economics graduates of University Of Southern Indiana earn a median of $47,216 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.

3

Indiana University Bloomington came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value general economics schools. Set in the city of Bloomington, Indiana University Bloomington is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,144, compared with $41,891 for out-of-state students. General Economics graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general economics degree recipients from Indiana University Bloomington generally make around $59,142. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. Indiana University Bloomington admits about 78% of applicants.

4

Ball State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general economics, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Muncie, Ball State University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,082, compared with $29,630 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general economics graduates is $22,054. General Economics graduates of Ball State University earn a median of $56,782 early in their careers. Set against $22,054 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

5
Valparaiso University crest
Valparaiso University
Valparaiso, IN

Valparaiso University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value general economics schools. Set in the suburb of Valparaiso, Valparaiso University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $48,450. Typical student debt for general economics graduates is $26,724. Early-career general economics graduates make about $51,987. That is a strong return on a $26,724 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.

6
Wabash College crest
Wabash College
Crawfordsville, IN

Wabash College placed #6 among the best values for general economics. Wabash College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Crawfordsville. In-state tuition and fees average $50,800. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the general economics program here. Early-career general economics graduates make about $51,815. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Wabash College admits about 63% of applicants.

7
Butler University crest
Butler University
Indianapolis, IN

Butler University placed #7 among the best values for general economics. Located in the city of Indianapolis, Butler University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $47,560. Students borrow a median of $25,351 to complete the general economics program here. Soon after graduation, general economics degree recipients from Butler University generally make around $68,222. Set against $25,351 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 85%.

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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 · 20 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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