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2026 Best Value General Economics Schools in Texas
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in general economics, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value General Economics Schools
Rice University tops our 2026 list of the best value general economics schools in Texas. Set in the city of Houston, Rice University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,247. Students borrow a median of $11,289 to complete the general economics program here. General Economics graduates of Rice University earn a median of $78,814 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $11,289 median debt. Rice University admits about 8% of applicants.
Austin Community College District is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general economics, landing the #2 spot this year. Austin Community College District is a very large public school located in the city of Austin. In-state tuition and fees average $2,550, compared with $10,590 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,519 to complete the general economics program here. Soon after graduation, general economics degree recipients from Austin Community College District generally make around $44,895. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
The University Of Texas Pan American came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value general economics schools. Set in the city of Edinburg, The University Of Texas Pan American is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,799, compared with $19,645 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general economics graduates is $14,694. Early-career general economics graduates make about $46,404. Set against $14,694 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas Pan American admits about 94% of applicants.
The University Of Texas At San Antonio came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value general economics schools. Set in the city of San Antonio, The University Of Texas At San Antonio is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,326, compared with $22,249 for out-of-state students. General Economics graduates carry a median of $23,312 in student loans. Early-career general economics graduates make about $49,955. That is a strong return on a $23,312 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Houston earned it the #5 place for general economics. Located in the city of Houston, University Of Houston is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,717, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. General Economics graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Early-career general economics graduates make about $50,820. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Houston admits about 74% of applicants.
ADBLOCK #101
University Of North Texas ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value general economics schools. Located in the city of Denton, University Of North Texas is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. Typical student debt for general economics graduates is $23,619. Soon after graduation, general economics degree recipients from University Of North Texas generally make around $51,316. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.
Texas State University San Marcos ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value general economics schools. Set in the city of San Marcos, Texas State University San Marcos is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $22,930. General Economics graduates carry a median of $22,717 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general economics degree recipients from Texas State University San Marcos generally make around $43,064. That is a strong return on a $22,717 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.
The University Of Texas At Dallas ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value general economics schools. The University Of Texas At Dallas is a very large public school located in the city of Richardson. In-state tuition and fees average $14,644, compared with $40,144 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general economics graduates is $20,748. Soon after graduation, general economics degree recipients from The University Of Texas At Dallas generally make around $47,034. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted.
Blinn College came in at #9 for value in general economics this year. Blinn College is a very large public school located in the town of Brenham. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,890, while out-of-state students pay about $11,370. Typical student debt for general economics graduates is $16,465. General Economics graduates of Blinn College earn a median of $43,408 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,465 median debt.
The University Of Texas At Austin ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value general economics schools. Located in the city of Austin, The University Of Texas At Austin is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,125 to complete the general economics program here. General Economics graduates of The University Of Texas At Austin earn a median of $68,794 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted.
[General Economics](/majors/social-sciences/economics/economics-general/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong general economics education at a price that pays off.
