2026 Best Value Economics Schools in the The Plains States Region

1

Truman State University
Kirksville, MO

For return on investment in economics, no school beat Truman State University this year. Set in the town of Kirksville, Truman State University is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,838 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,566 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,168 to complete the economics program here. Early-career economics graduates make about $39,764. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Truman State University admits about 84% of applicants.

2

University Of Missouri Kansas City
Kansas City, MO

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Missouri Kansas City earned it the #2 place for economics. Located in the city of Kansas City, University Of Missouri Kansas City is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,371, while out-of-state students pay about $32,271. Students borrow a median of $23,741 to complete the economics program here. Early-career economics graduates make about $60,324. Set against $23,741 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of Missouri St Louis
Saint Louis, MO

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Missouri St Louis earned it the #3 place for economics. Located in the suburb of Saint Louis, University Of Missouri St Louis is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,120, while out-of-state students pay about $37,620. Typical student debt for economics graduates is $22,962. Economics graduates of University Of Missouri St Louis earn a median of $46,583 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,962 median debt. The acceptance rate is 63%.

4

Wichita State University
Wichita, KS

Students looking for strong value in economics will find it at Wichita State University, which ranked #4. Set in the city of Wichita, Wichita State University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,684, with out-of-state students paying around $19,869. Students borrow a median of $24,262 to complete the economics program here. Early-career economics graduates make about $49,278. That is a strong return on a $24,262 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%.

5

Grinnell College
Grinnell, IA

A rank of #5 makes Grinnell College one of the best values for economics. Located in the town of Grinnell, Grinnell College is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $68,196. Typical student debt for economics graduates is $16,950. Soon after graduation, economics degree recipients from Grinnell College generally make around $46,791. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 14%.

6

University Of Nebraska At Omaha
Omaha, NE

University Of Nebraska At Omaha ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value economics schools. Set in the city of Omaha, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,718, while out-of-state students pay about $23,206. Students borrow a median of $21,783 to complete the economics program here. Soon after graduation, economics degree recipients from University Of Nebraska At Omaha generally make around $48,906. Set against $21,783 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%.

7

Fort Hays State University
Hays, KS

Fort Hays State University landed the #7 spot for economics value this year. Fort Hays State University is a large public school located in the town of Hays. Students from in state pay about $5,923 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,741 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for economics graduates is $25,967. Early-career economics graduates make about $50,690. That is a strong return on a $25,967 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%.

8

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities came in at #8 for value in economics this year. Located in the city of Minneapolis, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. Economics graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, economics degree recipients from University Of Minnesota Twin Cities generally make around $56,902. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted.

9

Saint Cloud State University
Saint Cloud, MN

Saint Cloud State University placed #9 among the best values for economics. Located in the city of Saint Cloud, Saint Cloud State University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,245. Typical student debt for economics graduates is $25,076. Soon after graduation, economics degree recipients from Saint Cloud State University generally make around $51,625. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 95%.

10

Missouri State University Springfield
Springfield, MO

Missouri State University Springfield came in at #10 for value in economics this year. Located in the city of Springfield, Missouri State University Springfield is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $9,502 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. Typical student debt for economics graduates is $19,793. Soon after graduation, economics degree recipients from Missouri State University Springfield generally make around $44,898. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%.

11

University Of Central Missouri
Warrensburg, MO

University Of Central Missouri earned the #11 position for value in economics this year. Located in the town of Warrensburg, University Of Central Missouri is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $10,050 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,600. Typical student debt for economics graduates is $25,056. Soon after graduation, economics degree recipients from University Of Central Missouri generally make around $41,076. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Central Missouri admits about 64% of applicants.

12

University Of Kansas
Lawrence, KS

University Of Kansas earned the #12 position for value in economics this year. Set in the city of Lawrence, University Of Kansas is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,102, compared with $30,432 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for economics graduates is $26,000. Soon after graduation, economics degree recipients from University Of Kansas generally make around $45,420. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Kansas admits about 94% of applicants.

13

University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Lincoln, NE

University Of Nebraska Lincoln earned the #13 position for value in economics this year. University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a very large public school located in the city of Lincoln. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. Students borrow a median of $22,386 to complete the economics program here. Soon after graduation, economics degree recipients from University Of Nebraska Lincoln generally make around $49,755. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nebraska Lincoln admits about 88% of applicants.

14

Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS

Kansas State University landed the #14 spot for economics value this year. Kansas State University is a very large public school located in the city of Manhattan. Students from in state pay about $11,221 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. Economics graduates carry a median of $20,312 in student loans. Soon after graduation, economics degree recipients from Kansas State University generally make around $52,490. Set against $20,312 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%.

15

Iowa State University
Ames, IA

Iowa State University came in at #15 for value in economics this year. Located in the city of Ames, Iowa State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $10,787 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. Students borrow a median of $23,414 to complete the economics program here. Soon after graduation, economics degree recipients from Iowa State University generally make around $57,619. Set against $23,414 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%.

16

Lindenwood University
Saint Charles, MO

Lindenwood University landed the #16 spot for economics value this year. Set in the city of Saint Charles, Lindenwood University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $21,600 in tuition and fees. Economics graduates carry a median of $28,663 in student loans. Soon after graduation, economics degree recipients from Lindenwood University generally make around $48,197. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted.

17

University Of Minnesota Duluth
Duluth, MN

University Of Minnesota Duluth ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best value economics schools. Located in the city of Duluth, University Of Minnesota Duluth is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $14,608, with out-of-state students paying around $20,134. Typical student debt for economics graduates is $25,250. Soon after graduation, economics degree recipients from University Of Minnesota Duluth generally make around $50,873. That is a strong return on a $25,250 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.

18

University Of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND

University Of North Dakota landed the #18 spot for economics value this year. University Of North Dakota is a large public school located in the city of Grand Forks. Students from in state pay about $10,951 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,570 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,110 to complete the economics program here. Economics graduates of University Of North Dakota earn a median of $64,378 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,110 median debt. University Of North Dakota admits about 77% of applicants.

19

Minnesota State University Mankato
Mankato, MN

Minnesota State University Mankato ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best value economics schools. Set in the city of Mankato, Minnesota State University Mankato is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Typical student debt for economics graduates is $21,474. Economics graduates of Minnesota State University Mankato earn a median of $53,088 early in their careers. Set against $21,474 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minnesota State University Mankato admits about 88% of applicants.

20

University Of Missouri Columbia
Columbia, MO

University Of Missouri Columbia earned the #20 position for value in economics this year. Set in the city of Columbia, University Of Missouri Columbia is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,837, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. Economics graduates carry a median of $18,815 in student loans. Early-career economics graduates make about $52,635. Set against $18,815 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Missouri Columbia admits about 78% of applicants.

21

University Of Iowa
Iowa City, IA

University Of Iowa placed #21 among the best values for economics. Set in the city of Iowa City, University Of Iowa is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,283, while out-of-state students pay about $33,371. Economics graduates carry a median of $22,407 in student loans. Economics graduates of University Of Iowa earn a median of $50,223 early in their careers. Set against $22,407 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.

22

Washington University In St Louis
St. Louis, MO

Washington University In St Louis placed #22 among the best values for economics. Set in the suburb of St. Louis, Washington University In St Louis is a large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,790. Economics graduates carry a median of $14,110 in student loans. Soon after graduation, economics degree recipients from Washington University In St Louis generally make around $66,325. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Washington University In St Louis admits about 12% of applicants.

23

St Olaf College
Northfield, MN

St Olaf College landed the #23 spot for economics value this year. Located in the town of Northfield, St Olaf College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $59,760. Typical student debt for economics graduates is $27,000. Early-career economics graduates make about $56,238. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. St Olaf College admits about 48% of applicants.

24

Gustavus Adolphus College
Saint Peter, MN

Gustavus Adolphus College earned the #24 position for value in economics this year. Located in the town of Saint Peter, Gustavus Adolphus College is a small private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $56,076. Students borrow a median of $24,474 to complete the economics program here. Early-career economics graduates make about $52,439. Set against $24,474 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Gustavus Adolphus College admits about 61% of applicants.

25

Saint Louis University Main Campus
Saint Louis, MO

Saint Louis University Main Campus placed #25 among the best values for economics. Set in the city of Saint Louis, Saint Louis University Main Campus is a large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $55,760. Economics graduates carry a median of $26,586 in student loans. Soon after graduation, economics degree recipients from Saint Louis University Main Campus generally make around $65,599. That is a strong return on a $26,586 median debt. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted.