2026 Best Value General Economics Schools in North Carolina

1

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC

Our analysis ranked University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill the best value for a degree in general economics in North Carolina. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a very large public school located in the city of Chapel Hill. Students from in state pay about $8,994 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. General Economics graduates carry a median of $15,843 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general economics degree recipients from University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill generally make around $65,344. Set against $15,843 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill admits about 15% of applicants.

2

University Of North Carolina At Greensboro
Greensboro, NC

A rank of #2 makes University Of North Carolina At Greensboro one of the best values for general economics. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a large public school located in the city of Greensboro. Students from in state pay about $7,661 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,012. Students borrow a median of $24,977 to complete the general economics program here. Soon after graduation, general economics degree recipients from University Of North Carolina At Greensboro generally make around $42,595. That is a strong return on a $24,977 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%.

3

North Carolina A And T State University
Greensboro, NC

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at North Carolina A And T State University earned it the #3 place for general economics. Set in the city of Greensboro, North Carolina A And T State University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,813, with out-of-state students paying around $20,673. Typical student debt for general economics graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, general economics degree recipients from North Carolina A And T State University generally make around $45,446. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Carolina A And T State University admits about 50% of applicants.

4

University Of North Carolina At Asheville
Asheville, NC

A rank of #4 makes University Of North Carolina At Asheville one of the best values for general economics. Located in the city of Asheville, University Of North Carolina At Asheville is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,501, while out-of-state students pay about $24,849. Students borrow a median of $18,791 to complete the general economics program here. Early-career general economics graduates make about $28,301. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Carolina At Asheville admits about 92% of applicants.

5

University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
Charlotte, NC

University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general economics, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Charlotte, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,239, compared with $22,492 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,673 to complete the general economics program here. Early-career general economics graduates make about $51,799. That is a strong return on a $24,673 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte admits about 80% of applicants.

6

Winston Salem State University
Winston-Salem, NC

Winston Salem State University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value general economics schools. Winston Salem State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Winston-Salem. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,126, while out-of-state students pay about $16,782. Students borrow a median of $27,653 to complete the general economics program here. General Economics graduates of Winston Salem State University earn a median of $25,653 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,653 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%.

7

East Carolina University
Greenville, NC

East Carolina University earned the #7 position for value in general economics this year. East Carolina University is a very large public school located in the city of Greenville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,361, compared with $23,638 for out-of-state students. General Economics graduates carry a median of $25,375 in student loans. Early-career general economics graduates make about $46,425. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.

8

Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, NC

Wake Forest University placed #8 among the best values for general economics. Set in the city of Winston-Salem, Wake Forest University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,642. General Economics graduates carry a median of $20,927 in student loans. Early-career general economics graduates make about $56,416. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 22% of applicants are accepted.

9

Duke University
Durham, NC

Duke University came in at #9 for value in general economics this year. Duke University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Durham. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,758. Typical student debt for general economics graduates is $13,437. General Economics graduates of Duke University earn a median of $98,649 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $13,437 median debt. The acceptance rate is 6%.

10

Elon University
Elon, NC

Elon University landed the #10 spot for general economics value this year. Set in the suburb of Elon, Elon University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $46,958. Typical student debt for general economics graduates is $19,500. Early-career general economics graduates make about $69,298. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted.