2026 Best Value General Economics Schools in Michigan

1

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI

For return on investment in general economics, no school beat University Of Michigan Ann Arbor this year. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public school located in the city of Ann Arbor. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,848, while out-of-state students pay about $63,081. General Economics graduates carry a median of $19,690 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general 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. The acceptance rate is 16%.

2

University Of Michigan Dearborn
Dearborn, MI

Students looking for strong value in general economics will find it at University Of Michigan Dearborn, which ranked #2. University Of Michigan Dearborn is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Dearborn. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,640, while out-of-state students pay about $32,896. Students borrow a median of $28,381 to complete the general economics program here. General Economics graduates of University Of Michigan Dearborn earn a median of $62,536 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $28,381 median debt. The acceptance rate is 56%.

3

Oakland University
Rochester Hills, MI

A rank of #3 makes Oakland University one of the best values for general economics. Located in the suburb of Rochester Hills, Oakland University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $17,167, with out-of-state students paying around $24,735. Typical student debt for general economics graduates is $25,972. Early-career general economics graduates make about $54,785. That is a strong return on a $25,972 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.

4

Wayne State University
Detroit, MI

Students looking for strong value in general economics will find it at Wayne State University, which ranked #4. Wayne State University is a very large public school located in the city of Detroit. In-state tuition and fees average $16,159, compared with $34,650 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,681 to complete the general economics program here. Early-career general economics graduates make about $50,648. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%.

5

Albion College
Albion, MI

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Albion College earned it the #5 place for general economics. Located in the town of Albion, Albion College is a small private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $56,950. General Economics graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general economics degree recipients from Albion College generally make around $48,756. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.

6

Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI

Grand Valley State University landed the #6 spot for general economics value this year. Set in the town of Allendale, Grand Valley State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,502, with out-of-state students paying around $21,894. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the general economics program here. Early-career general economics graduates make about $53,985. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Grand Valley State University admits about 83% of applicants.

7

Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI

Western Michigan University placed #7 among the best values for general economics. Set in the city of Kalamazoo, Western Michigan University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,987, with out-of-state students paying around $19,952. Students borrow a median of $27,981 to complete the general economics program here. Soon after graduation, general economics degree recipients from Western Michigan University generally make around $48,966. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 85%.

8

Northern Michigan University
Marquette, MI

Northern Michigan University earned the #8 position for value in general economics this year. Northern Michigan University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Marquette. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,322, while out-of-state students pay about $19,944. General Economics graduates carry a median of $22,608 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general economics degree recipients from Northern Michigan University generally make around $40,508. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern Michigan University admits about 84% of applicants.

9

Kalamazoo College
Kalamazoo, MI

Kalamazoo College landed the #9 spot for general economics value this year. Located in the city of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo College is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $60,900. Typical student debt for general economics graduates is $27,000. General Economics graduates of Kalamazoo College earn a median of $42,508 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Kalamazoo College admits about 75% of applicants.

10

Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value general economics schools. Michigan State University is a very large public school located in the city of East Lansing. In-state tuition and fees average $18,079, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. Students borrow a median of $24,250 to complete the general economics program here. General Economics graduates of Michigan State University earn a median of $54,013 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,250 median debt. Michigan State University admits about 85% of applicants.