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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value Other Economics Schools

16 Colleges in the United States
$22,104 Avg Student Debt
$68,553 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Other Economics Badge [Other Economics](/majors/social-sciences/economics/economics-other/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 44 schools to find the best return on investment for other economics students.

What’s on this page:

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Finding the Best Value Other Economics School for You

Where you study other economics affects both what you pay and what you earn. That is why we built our Best Value Other Economics Schools ranking. It weighs the cost of a degree against the outcomes graduates go on to achieve, so you can find the strongest return on your investment.

See how we build our rankings

Customize Your Rankings

We offer a number of rankings, including this Best Value Other Economics Schools list, to help you decide. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.

Associate's Degrees in Other Economics
Bachelor's Degrees in Other Economics
Master's Degrees in Other Economics
Doctorate Degrees in Other Economics

To further help you make the college decision, we have developed a unique tool called College Combat that lets you compare schools on the factors that matter most to you.

Learn more about our methodology

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2026 Best Value Other Economics Schools in the United States

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

Best Value Other Economics Schools

1

Our analysis ranked University Of California San Diego the best value for a degree in other economics in the United States. University Of California San Diego is a very large public school located in the city of La Jolla. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,788, while out-of-state students pay about $47,676. Typical student debt for other economics graduates is $15,000. Soon after graduation, other economics degree recipients from University Of California San Diego generally make around $51,192. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted.

2

Students looking for strong value in other economics will find it at University Of California Irvine, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Irvine, University Of California Irvine is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,752, compared with $46,640 for out-of-state students. Other Economics graduates carry a median of $15,499 in student loans. Other Economics graduates of University Of California Irvine earn a median of $50,958 early in their careers. Set against $15,499 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 29% of applicants are accepted.

3
Purdue University Main Campus crest
Purdue University Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value other economics schools. Set in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue University Main Campus is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Typical student debt for other economics graduates is $24,700. Soon after graduation, other economics degree recipients from Purdue University Main Campus generally make around $59,187. Set against $24,700 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 50%.

4

Students looking for strong value in other economics will find it at University Of California Riverside, which ranked #4. Set in the city of Riverside, University Of California Riverside is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,636, while out-of-state students pay about $46,524. Students borrow a median of $18,500 to complete the other economics program here. Soon after graduation, other economics degree recipients from University Of California Riverside generally make around $37,149. That is a strong return on a $18,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%.

5

Students looking for strong value in other economics will find it at University Of California Santa Cruz, which ranked #5. Located in the city of Santa Cruz, University Of California Santa Cruz is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,035, compared with $46,923 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,017 to complete the other economics program here. Other Economics graduates of University Of California Santa Cruz earn a median of $40,920 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $18,017 median debt. University Of California Santa Cruz admits about 66% of applicants.

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6

University Of Delaware landed the #6 spot for other economics value this year. Set in the suburb of Newark, University Of Delaware is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,810, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. Other Economics graduates carry a median of $25,261 in student loans. Other Economics graduates of University Of Delaware earn a median of $55,905 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,261 median debt. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted.

7

George Mason University landed the #7 spot for other economics value this year. Located in the suburb of Fairfax, George Mason University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $14,220, with out-of-state students paying around $38,688. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete the other economics program here. Early-career other economics graduates make about $74,431. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%.

8

University Of Maine earned the #8 position for value in other economics this year. Located in the suburb of Orono, University Of Maine is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,326, while out-of-state students pay about $36,756. Typical student debt for other economics graduates is $22,984. Soon after graduation, other economics degree recipients from University Of Maine generally make around $47,975. Set against $22,984 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 97%.

9

University Of Minnesota Duluth landed the #9 spot for other economics value this year. Set in the city of Duluth, University Of Minnesota Duluth is a large public institution. 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 other economics graduates is $25,250. Other 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. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.

10
Canisius College crest
Canisius College
Buffalo, NY

Canisius College earned the #10 position for value in other economics this year. Located in the city of Buffalo, Canisius College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $34,200. Students borrow a median of $25,500 to complete the other economics program here. Early-career other economics graduates make about $55,786. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%.

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11
Suny At Albany crest
Suny At Albany
Albany, NY

Suny At Albany landed the #11 spot for other economics value this year. Located in the city of Albany, Suny At Albany is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $10,601 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $30,991. Other Economics graduates carry a median of $24,474 in student loans. Early-career other economics graduates make about $44,736. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted.

12

Western Washington University landed the #12 spot for other economics value this year. Located in the city of Bellingham, Western Washington University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,582, compared with $28,707 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for other economics graduates is $19,000. Other Economics graduates of Western Washington University earn a median of $45,401 early in their careers. Set against $19,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Washington University admits about 93% of applicants.

13

University At Buffalo ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best value other economics schools. Located in the suburb of Buffalo, University At Buffalo is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $10,936 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $31,536. Typical student debt for other economics graduates is $20,225. Soon after graduation, other economics degree recipients from University At Buffalo generally make around $52,403. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%.

14
Michigan State University crest
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best value other economics schools. Located in the city of East Lansing, Michigan State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,079, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for other economics graduates is $24,250. Other 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.

15
University Of Vermont crest
University Of Vermont
Burlington, VT

University Of Vermont placed #15 among the best values for other economics. Set in the city of Burlington, University Of Vermont is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,058, while out-of-state students pay about $45,502. Typical student debt for other economics graduates is $23,875. Early-career other economics graduates make about $44,588. Set against $23,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Vermont admits about 65% of applicants.

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16
Centre College crest
Centre College
Danville, KY

Centre College placed #16 among the best values for other economics. Set in the town of Danville, Centre College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $52,820 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the other economics program here. Soon after graduation, other economics degree recipients from Centre College generally make around $51,077. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Centre College admits about 54% of applicants.

17
Valparaiso University crest
Valparaiso University
Valparaiso, IN

Valparaiso University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best value other economics schools. Valparaiso University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Valparaiso. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $48,450. Typical student debt for other economics graduates is $26,724. Other Economics graduates of Valparaiso University earn a median of $51,987 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.

18

Whitworth University placed #18 among the best values for other economics. Whitworth University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Spokane. Students from in state pay about $52,880 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for other economics graduates is $26,051. Other Economics graduates of Whitworth University earn a median of $47,998 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

19

University Of Dallas placed #19 among the best values for other economics. University Of Dallas is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Irving. Students from in state pay about $53,930 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for other economics graduates is $24,752. Early-career other economics graduates make about $55,732. That is a strong return on a $24,752 median debt. Roughly 53% of applicants are accepted.

20
Boston University crest
Boston University
Boston, MA

Boston University placed #20 among the best values for other economics. Boston University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Boston. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,102. Typical student debt for other economics graduates is $24,500. Other Economics graduates of Boston University earn a median of $63,598 early in their careers. Set against $24,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted.

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21
Temple University crest
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA

Temple University came in at #21 for value in other economics this year. Set in the city of Philadelphia, Temple University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $23,005, while out-of-state students pay about $38,805. Students borrow a median of $24,250 to complete the other economics program here. Other Economics graduates of Temple University earn a median of $48,242 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,250 median debt. Temple University admits about 80% of applicants.

22
Drake University crest
Drake University
Des Moines, IA

Drake University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best value other economics schools. Set in the city of Des Moines, Drake University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $51,960. Other Economics graduates carry a median of $22,273 in student loans. Other Economics graduates of Drake University earn a median of $56,228 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,273 median debt. The acceptance rate is 64%.

23
Colorado College crest
Colorado College
Colorado Springs, CO

Colorado College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best value other economics schools. Located in the city of Colorado Springs, Colorado College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $70,734. Students borrow a median of $18,250 to complete the other economics program here. Soon after graduation, other economics degree recipients from Colorado College generally make around $58,082. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Colorado College admits about 18% of applicants.

24
Whitman College crest
Whitman College
Walla Walla, WA

Whitman College came in at #24 for value in other economics this year. Set in the city of Walla Walla, Whitman College is a small private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,050. Typical student debt for other economics graduates is $17,500. Other Economics graduates of Whitman College earn a median of $46,832 early in their careers. Set against $17,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 38%.

25
Barnard College crest
Barnard College
New York, NY

Barnard College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best value other economics schools. Located in the city of New York, Barnard College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,888. Typical student debt for other economics graduates is $16,750. Early-career other economics graduates make about $85,860. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 9%.

Rest of the Top 26 Best Value Other Economics Schools

Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in other economics:

26
American University crest
American University
Washington, DC

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Other Economics is one of many programs to choose from within the area of study. See all related rankings.

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Notes and References

The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 44 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 16 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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