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2026 Best Value Economics Schools in Minnesota
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the economics degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Economics Schools
Our analysis ranked University Of Minnesota Twin Cities the best value for a degree in economics in Minnesota. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a very large public school located in the city of Minneapolis. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete the economics program here. Early-career economics graduates make about $56,902. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities admits about 80% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Saint Cloud State University earned it the #2 place for economics. Set in the city of Saint Cloud, Saint Cloud State University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,245. Economics graduates carry a median of $25,076 in student loans. Soon after graduation, economics degree recipients from Saint Cloud State University generally make around $51,625. That is a strong return on a $25,076 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Minnesota Duluth came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value economics schools. Set in the city of Duluth, University Of Minnesota Duluth is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,608 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,134 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,250 to complete the economics program here. Economics graduates of University Of Minnesota Duluth earn a median of $50,873 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Minnesota Duluth admits about 89% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Minnesota State University Mankato earned it the #4 place for economics. Set in the city of Mankato, Minnesota State University Mankato is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Typical student debt for economics graduates is $21,474. Soon after graduation, economics degree recipients from Minnesota State University Mankato generally make around $53,088. Set against $21,474 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #5 makes St Olaf College one of the best values for economics. St Olaf College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Northfield. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $59,760. Economics graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Economics graduates of St Olaf College earn a median of $56,238 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 48% of applicants are accepted.
ADBLOCK #101
Gustavus Adolphus College earned the #6 position for value in economics this year. Set in the town of Saint Peter, Gustavus Adolphus College is a small private not-for-profit institution. 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. Economics graduates of Gustavus Adolphus College earn a median of $52,439 early in their careers. Set against $24,474 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 61%.
Saint Johns University landed the #7 spot for economics value this year. Located in the rural area of Collegeville, Saint Johns University is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $55,816. Typical student debt for economics graduates is $27,000. Economics graduates of Saint Johns University earn a median of $54,752 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%.
Carleton College came in at #8 for value in economics this year. Located in the town of Northfield, Carleton College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,892. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete the economics program here. Early-career economics graduates make about $66,567. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 20%.
Macalester College came in at #9 for value in economics this year. Macalester College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Saint Paul. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,104. Economics graduates carry a median of $24,000 in student loans. Early-career economics graduates make about $59,752. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 28%.
University Of St Thomas Minnesota placed #10 among the best values for economics. Set in the city of Saint Paul, University Of St Thomas Minnesota is a large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $54,398. Typical student debt for economics graduates is $24,600. Early-career economics graduates make about $60,323. That is a strong return on a $24,600 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%.
[Economics](/majors/social-sciences/economics/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
