2026 Best Value Economics Schools in Washington

1

University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Seattle, WA

University Of Washington Seattle Campus earned the #1 spot for value among economics schools in Washington. Set in the city of Seattle, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. Economics graduates carry a median of $14,166 in student loans. Early-career economics graduates make about $53,934. Set against $14,166 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Washington Seattle Campus admits about 39% of applicants.

2

Eastern Washington University
Cheney, WA

Eastern Washington University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value economics schools. Eastern Washington University is a large public school located in the town of Cheney. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,586, compared with $26,583 for out-of-state students. Economics graduates carry a median of $21,809 in student loans. Early-career economics graduates make about $37,368. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

3

Washington State University
Pullman, WA

Washington State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in economics, landing the #3 spot this year. Washington State University is a very large public school located in the town of Pullman. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,391, compared with $29,950 for out-of-state students. Economics graduates carry a median of $25,656 in student loans. Early-career economics graduates make about $39,762. That is a strong return on a $25,656 median debt. The acceptance rate is 87%.

4

Central Washington University
Ellensburg, WA

Students looking for strong value in economics will find it at Central Washington University, which ranked #4. Central Washington University is a very large public school located in the town of Ellensburg. In-state tuition and fees average $9,417, with out-of-state students paying around $27,526. Typical student debt for economics graduates is $15,000. Economics graduates of Central Washington University earn a median of $52,129 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. Central Washington University admits about 91% of applicants.

5

Western Washington University
Bellingham, WA

Western Washington University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value economics schools. Western Washington University is a large public school located in the city of Bellingham. In-state tuition and fees average $9,582, compared with $28,707 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for economics graduates is $19,000. Early-career economics graduates make about $45,401. Set against $19,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.

6

Seattle Pacific University
Seattle, WA

Seattle Pacific University came in at #6 for value in economics this year. Located in the city of Seattle, Seattle Pacific University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $40,407 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,835 to complete the economics program here. Economics graduates of Seattle Pacific University earn a median of $41,502 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 83%.

7

Whitworth University
Spokane, WA

Whitworth University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value economics schools. Whitworth University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Spokane. In-state tuition and fees average $52,880. Typical student debt for economics graduates is $26,051. Early-career economics graduates make about $63,134. Set against $26,051 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

8

Whitman College
Walla Walla, WA

Whitman College earned the #8 position for value in 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. Economics graduates carry a median of $17,500 in student loans. Early-career economics graduates make about $46,832. Set against $17,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 38%.

9

Gonzaga University
Spokane, WA

Gonzaga University landed the #9 spot for economics value this year. Gonzaga University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Spokane. Students from in state pay about $55,480 in tuition and fees. Economics graduates carry a median of $22,500 in student loans. Early-career economics graduates make about $44,845. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.

10

University Of Puget Sound
Tacoma, WA

University Of Puget Sound placed #10 among the best values for economics. Set in the city of Tacoma, University Of Puget Sound is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,898. Economics graduates carry a median of $26,031 in student loans. Early-career economics graduates make about $48,153. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.