by our College Data Analytics Team
[Economics](/majors/social-sciences/economics/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 9 schools to find the best return on investment for economics students.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the economics degrees they offer, see the list below.
For return on investment in economics, no school beat Weber State University this year. Weber State University is a very large public school located in the city of Ogden. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,557, compared with $17,545 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,176 to complete the economics program here. Early-career economics graduates make about $53,920. Set against $19,176 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #2 makes Southern Utah University one of the best values for economics. Set in the town of Cedar City, Southern Utah University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,962, compared with $21,192 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,886 to complete the economics program here. Economics graduates of Southern Utah University earn a median of $43,266 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #3 makes Utah State University one of the best values for economics. Located in the city of Logan, Utah State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,560, while out-of-state students pay about $24,993. Students borrow a median of $15,250 to complete the economics program here. Soon after graduation, economics degree recipients from Utah State University generally make around $60,472. Set against $15,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Utah is a great value for students pursuing a degree in economics, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Salt Lake City, University Of Utah is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,620, compared with $30,860 for out-of-state students. Economics graduates carry a median of $16,642 in student loans. Early-career economics graduates make about $64,386. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%.
Brigham Young University Provo came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value economics schools. Brigham Young University Provo is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Provo. Students from in state pay about $6,688 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $11,000 to complete the economics program here. Economics graduates of Brigham Young University Provo earn a median of $63,332 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 68%.
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This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 9 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.