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2026 Best Value General Economics Schools in Minnesota

10 Colleges in the United States
$24,547 Avg Student Debt
$65,756 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value General Economics Badge [General Economics](/majors/social-sciences/economics/economics-general/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

College Factual analyzed 18 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value general economics schools.

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2026 Best Value General Economics Schools in Minnesota

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

Leading the list is University Of Minnesota Twin Cities, our #1 best value for general economics in Minnesota. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a very large public school located in the city of Minneapolis. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. General Economics graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Early-career general economics graduates make about $56,902. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%.

2

A rank of #2 makes Saint Cloud State University one of the best values for general economics. Located in the city of Saint Cloud, Saint Cloud State University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,245. General Economics graduates carry a median of $25,076 in student loans. Early-career general economics graduates make about $51,625. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 95%.

3

Students looking for strong value in general economics will find it at University Of Minnesota Duluth, which ranked #3. Located in the city of Duluth, University Of Minnesota Duluth is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $14,608 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,134. Typical student debt for general economics graduates is $25,250. General Economics graduates of University Of Minnesota Duluth earn a median of $50,873 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Minnesota Duluth admits about 89% of applicants.

4

A rank of #4 makes Minnesota State University Mankato one of the best values for general economics. Minnesota State University Mankato is a large public school located in the city of Mankato. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Typical student debt for general economics graduates is $21,474. General Economics graduates of Minnesota State University Mankato earn a median of $53,088 early in their careers. Set against $21,474 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%.

5
St Olaf College crest
St Olaf College
Northfield, MN

St Olaf College came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value general economics schools. St Olaf College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Northfield. Students from in state pay about $59,760 in tuition and fees. General Economics graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career general economics graduates make about $56,238. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. St Olaf College admits about 48% of applicants.

6

Gustavus Adolphus College placed #6 among the best values for general economics. Gustavus Adolphus College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Saint Peter. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $56,076. General Economics graduates carry a median of $24,474 in student loans. Early-career general economics graduates make about $52,439. Set against $24,474 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 61%.

7
Saint Johns University crest
Saint Johns University
Collegeville, MN

Saint Johns University landed the #7 spot for general economics value this year. Located in the rural area of Collegeville, Saint Johns University is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $55,816. General Economics graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. General Economics graduates of Saint Johns University earn a median of $54,752 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%.

8

University Of St Thomas Minnesota ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value general economics schools. Set in the city of Saint Paul, University Of St Thomas Minnesota is a large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $54,398 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $24,600 to complete the general economics program here. Early-career general economics graduates make about $60,323. That is a strong return on a $24,600 median debt. University Of St Thomas Minnesota admits about 85% of applicants.

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Notes and References

The ranking above is published 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 · 18 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 10 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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