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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value General Economics Schools in Virginia

11 Colleges in the United States
$22,781 Avg Student Debt
$72,839 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value General Economics Badge [General Economics](/majors/social-sciences/economics/economics-general/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 24 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for general economics students.

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2026 Best Value General Economics Schools in Virginia

If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the general economics degrees they offer, see the list below.

Best Value General Economics Schools

1

George Mason University tops our 2026 list of the best value general economics schools in Virginia. Located in the suburb of Fairfax, George Mason University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $14,220, compared with $38,688 for out-of-state students. General Economics graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. General Economics graduates of George Mason University earn a median of $74,431 early in their careers. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. George Mason University admits about 88% of applicants.

2
Radford University crest
Radford University
Radford, VA

Radford University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value general economics schools. Located in the town of Radford, Radford University is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $12,548 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $25,633. Typical student debt for general economics graduates is $26,000. Early-career general economics graduates make about $45,189. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

3

Virginia Military Institute came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value general economics schools. Virginia Military Institute is a small public school located in the town of Lexington. In-state tuition and fees average $21,046, while out-of-state students pay about $52,638. General Economics graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. Early-career general economics graduates make about $46,046. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted.

4
James Madison University crest
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at James Madison University earned it the #4 place for general economics. Set in the city of Harrisonburg, James Madison University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,966 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $31,312. Students borrow a median of $18,575 to complete the general economics program here. General Economics graduates of James Madison University earn a median of $62,286 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%.

5

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Christopher Newport University earned it the #5 place for general economics. Set in the city of Newport News, Christopher Newport University is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,828, with out-of-state students paying around $31,178. General Economics graduates carry a median of $23,125 in student loans. General Economics graduates of Christopher Newport University earn a median of $45,309 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

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6

College Of William And Mary landed the #6 spot for general economics value this year. Located in the suburb of Williamsburg, College Of William And Mary is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $25,734, compared with $51,038 for out-of-state students. General Economics graduates carry a median of $19,678 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general economics degree recipients from College Of William And Mary generally make around $65,603. Set against $19,678 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 34%.

7

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University landed the #7 spot for general economics value this year. Located in the city of Blacksburg, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,948, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. Typical student debt for general economics graduates is $22,500. Soon after graduation, general economics degree recipients from Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University generally make around $56,261. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted.

8

Washington And Lee University came in at #8 for value in general economics this year. Washington And Lee University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Lexington. In-state tuition and fees average $68,045. Typical student debt for general economics graduates is $23,399. Early-career general economics graduates make about $71,737. That is a strong return on a $23,399 median debt. Roughly 14% of applicants are accepted.

9
Hampden Sydney College crest
Hampden Sydney College
Hampden-Sydney, VA

Hampden Sydney College came in at #9 for value in general economics this year. Hampden Sydney College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Hampden-Sydney. Students from in state pay about $54,550 in tuition and fees. General Economics graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general economics degree recipients from Hampden Sydney College generally make around $52,155. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 41% of applicants are accepted.

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Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 24 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 11 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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