2026 Best Value Other Economics Master’s Degree Schools

1

University Of California San Diego
La Jolla, CA

University Of California San Diego earned the #1 spot for value among other economics schools in the United States. University Of California San Diego is a very large public school located in the city of La Jolla. In-state tuition and fees average $15,788, compared with $47,676 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete the other economics program here. Soon after graduation, other economics degree recipients from University Of California San Diego generally make around $51,192. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 27%.

2

University Of California Irvine
Irvine, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of California Irvine earned it the #2 place for other economics. University Of California Irvine is a very large public school located in the city of Irvine. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,752, with out-of-state students paying around $46,640. Students borrow a median of $15,499 to complete the other economics program here. Other Economics graduates of University Of California Irvine earn a median of $50,958 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,499 median debt. Roughly 29% of applicants are accepted.

3

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. Purdue University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of West Lafayette. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Other Economics graduates carry a median of $24,700 in student loans. 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

University Of California Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA

University Of California Santa Cruz is a great value for students pursuing a degree in other economics, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Santa Cruz, University Of California Santa Cruz is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,035, while out-of-state students pay about $46,923. Other Economics graduates carry a median of $18,017 in student loans. Early-career other economics graduates make about $40,920. Set against $18,017 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted.

5

George Mason University
Fairfax, VA

George Mason University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value other economics schools. Set in the suburb of Fairfax, George Mason University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,220, compared with $38,688 for out-of-state students. Other Economics graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Early-career other economics graduates make about $82,853. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%.

6

University Of Maine
Orono, ME

University Of Maine earned the #6 position for value in other economics this year. Set in the suburb of Orono, University Of Maine is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,326, with out-of-state students paying around $36,756. Students borrow a median of $22,984 to complete the other economics program here. 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. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.

7

Suny At Albany
Albany, NY

Suny At Albany landed the #7 spot for other economics value this year. Set in the city of Albany, Suny At Albany is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,601 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $30,991. Other Economics graduates carry a median of $24,474 in student loans. Other Economics graduates of Suny At Albany earn a median of $44,736 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,474 median debt. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted.

8

University At Buffalo
Buffalo, NY

University At Buffalo earned the #8 position for value in other economics this year. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $31,536. Typical student debt for other economics graduates is $20,225. Early-career other economics graduates make about $52,403. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University At Buffalo admits about 74% of applicants.

9

Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University placed #9 among the best values for other economics. Set in the city of East Lansing, Michigan State University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,079, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. Typical student debt for other economics graduates is $24,250. Soon after graduation, other economics degree recipients from Michigan State University generally make around $54,013. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.

10

Valparaiso University
Valparaiso, IN

Valparaiso University came in at #10 for value in other economics this year. Set in the suburb of Valparaiso, Valparaiso University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $48,450 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,724 to complete the other economics program here. 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. The acceptance rate is 89%.

11

Boston University
Boston, MA

Boston University landed the #11 spot for other economics value this year. Set in the city of Boston, Boston University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $68,102 in tuition and fees. Other Economics graduates carry a median of $24,500 in student loans. Other Economics graduates of Boston University earn a median of $63,598 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Boston University admits about 11% of applicants.

12

American University
Washington, DC

American University placed #12 among the best values for other economics. Located in the city of Washington, American University is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $58,771. Typical student debt for other economics graduates is $22,625. Early-career other economics graduates make about $86,903. That is a strong return on a $22,625 median debt. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted.

13

The Chicago School Of Professional Psychology At Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

The Chicago School Of Professional Psychology At Los Angeles placed #13 among the best values for other economics. Located in the city of Los Angeles, The Chicago School Of Professional Psychology At Los Angeles is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $21,780. Other Economics graduates carry a median of $32,107 in student loans. Early-career other economics graduates make about $66,047. Set against $32,107 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The Chicago School Of Professional Psychology At Los Angeles admits about 46% of applicants.

14

Teachers College At Columbia University
New York, NY

Teachers College At Columbia University placed #14 among the best values for other economics. Set in the city of New York, Teachers College At Columbia University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Soon after graduation, other economics degree recipients from Teachers College At Columbia University generally make around $68,822.