by our College Data Analytics Team
[Economics](/majors/social-sciences/economics/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 20 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for economics students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the economics degrees they offer, see the list below.
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh tops our 2026 list of the best value economics schools in Wisconsin. Set in the city of Oshkosh, University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,532, with out-of-state students paying around $16,446. Typical student debt for economics graduates is $25,000. Early-career economics graduates make about $57,663. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%.
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value economics schools. Located in the town of Whitewater, University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,616, while out-of-state students pay about $18,716. Economics graduates carry a median of $21,698 in student loans. Soon after graduation, economics degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Whitewater generally make around $46,404. Set against $21,698 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Wisconsin La Crosse came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value economics schools. Set in the city of La Crosse, University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,070, compared with $19,517 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the economics program here. Economics graduates of University Of Wisconsin La Crosse earn a median of $53,595 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in economics will find it at University Of Wisconsin Madison, which ranked #4. Set in the city of Madison, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Economics graduates carry a median of $20,750 in student loans. Economics graduates of University Of Wisconsin Madison earn a median of $64,223 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #5 makes University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee one of the best values for economics. Set in the city of Milwaukee, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,398, with out-of-state students paying around $22,398. Typical student debt for economics graduates is $27,000. Early-career economics graduates make about $44,327. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
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University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire came in at #6 for value in economics this year. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a large public school located in the city of Eau Claire. Students from in state pay about $9,642 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,228. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete the economics program here. Economics graduates of University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire earn a median of $51,344 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%.
Lawrence University earned the #7 position for value in economics this year. Located in the city of Appleton, Lawrence University is a small private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $56,982 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for economics graduates is $15,699. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,789 ten years after entry. Set against $15,699 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lawrence University admits about 64% of applicants.
Marquette University placed #8 among the best values for economics. Set in the city of Milwaukee, Marquette University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $51,170. Economics graduates carry a median of $23,718 in student loans. Early-career economics graduates make about $46,400. Set against $23,718 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.
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 · 20 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 9 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.