2026 Best Value Economics Schools in Connecticut

1

Central Connecticut State University
New Britain, CT

For return on investment in economics, no school beat Central Connecticut State University this year. Central Connecticut State University is a large public school located in the suburb of New Britain. In-state tuition and fees average $13,050, with out-of-state students paying around $16,550. Economics graduates carry a median of $25,237 in student loans. Soon after graduation, economics degree recipients from Central Connecticut State University generally make around $41,910. That is a strong return on a $25,237 median debt. Central Connecticut State University admits about 73% of applicants.

2

University Of Connecticut
Storrs, CT

University Of Connecticut is a great value for students pursuing a degree in economics, landing the #2 spot this year. University Of Connecticut is a very large public school located in the town of Storrs. Students from in state pay about $21,044 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $43,712. Economics graduates carry a median of $22,907 in student loans. Soon after graduation, economics degree recipients from University Of Connecticut generally make around $52,227. Set against $22,907 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 52% of applicants are accepted.

3

Yale University
New Haven, CT

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Yale University earned it the #3 place for economics. Located in the city of New Haven, Yale University is a large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $67,250 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $13,250 to complete the economics program here. Soon after graduation, economics degree recipients from Yale University generally make around $82,617. Set against $13,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 4%.

4

Wesleyan University
Middletown, CT

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Wesleyan University earned it the #4 place for economics. Wesleyan University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Middletown. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,042. Economics graduates carry a median of $16,125 in student loans. Early-career economics graduates make about $39,764. That is a strong return on a $16,125 median debt. Wesleyan University admits about 16% of applicants.

5

University Of Hartford
West Hartford, CT

University Of Hartford came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value economics schools. Located in the city of West Hartford, University Of Hartford is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $49,075. Typical student debt for economics graduates is $25,648. Soon after graduation, economics degree recipients from University Of Hartford generally make around $51,123. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.

6

Connecticut College
New London, CT

Connecticut College came in at #6 for value in economics this year. Set in the city of New London, Connecticut College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,242. Students borrow a median of $25,206 to complete the economics program here. Economics graduates of Connecticut College earn a median of $62,732 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,206 median debt. Roughly 37% of applicants are accepted.

7

Trinity College
Hartford, CT

Trinity College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value economics schools. Trinity College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Hartford. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,770. Economics graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, economics degree recipients from Trinity College generally make around $71,191. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Trinity College admits about 29% of applicants.

8

Quinnipiac University
Hamden, CT

Quinnipiac University landed the #8 spot for economics value this year. Set in the suburb of Hamden, Quinnipiac University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $55,480. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the economics program here. Economics graduates of Quinnipiac University earn a median of $48,340 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%.

9

Sacred Heart University
Fairfield, CT

Sacred Heart University placed #9 among the best values for economics. Set in the suburb of Fairfield, Sacred Heart University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $50,404. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete the economics program here. Soon after graduation, economics degree recipients from Sacred Heart University generally make around $62,864. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted.

10

Fairfield University
Fairfield, CT

Fairfield University came in at #10 for value in economics this year. Fairfield University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Fairfield. Students from in state pay about $58,400 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for economics graduates is $26,500. Economics graduates of Fairfield University earn a median of $74,023 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 33% of applicants are accepted.