2026 Best Value Economics Schools in Missouri
[Economics](/majors/social-sciences/economics/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 19 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value economics schools.
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2026 Best Value Economics Schools in Missouri
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
Leading the list is Truman State University, our #1 best value for economics in Missouri. Located in the town of Kirksville, Truman State University is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,838, while out-of-state students pay about $18,566. Typical student debt for economics graduates is $23,168. Soon after graduation, economics degree recipients from Truman State University generally make around $39,764. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%.
A rank of #2 makes University Of Missouri Kansas City one of the best values for economics. Set in the city of Kansas City, University Of Missouri Kansas City is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,371, with out-of-state students paying around $32,271. Typical student debt for economics graduates is $23,741. Soon after graduation, economics degree recipients from University Of Missouri Kansas City generally make around $60,324. That is a strong return on a $23,741 median debt. University Of Missouri Kansas City admits about 72% of applicants.
University Of Missouri St Louis came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value economics schools. University Of Missouri St Louis is a large public school located in the suburb of Saint Louis. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,120, with out-of-state students paying around $37,620. Economics graduates carry a median of $22,962 in student loans. Early-career economics graduates make about $46,583. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Central Missouri is a great value for students pursuing a degree in economics, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the town of Warrensburg, University Of Central Missouri is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,050, while out-of-state students pay about $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.
Students looking for strong value in economics will find it at Missouri State University Springfield, which ranked #5. Missouri State University Springfield is a very large public school located in the city of Springfield. In-state tuition and fees average $9,502, 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. Set against $19,793 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
Lindenwood University came in at #6 for value in economics this year. Lindenwood University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Saint Charles. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,600. Students borrow a median of $28,663 to complete the economics program here. Soon after graduation, economics degree recipients from Lindenwood University generally make around $48,197. That is a strong return on a $28,663 median debt. The acceptance rate is 57%.
University Of Missouri Columbia landed the #7 spot for economics value this year. University Of Missouri Columbia is a very large public school located in the city of Columbia. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,837, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. Economics graduates carry a median of $18,815 in student loans. Soon after graduation, economics degree recipients from University Of Missouri Columbia generally make around $52,635. Set against $18,815 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Missouri Columbia admits about 78% of applicants.
Washington University In St Louis ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value economics schools. Located in the suburb of St. Louis, Washington University In St Louis is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,790. Typical student debt for economics graduates is $14,110. Economics graduates of Washington University In St Louis earn a median of $66,325 early in their careers. Set against $14,110 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 12%.
Saint Louis University Main Campus landed the #9 spot for economics value this year. Saint Louis University Main Campus is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Saint Louis. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Set against $26,586 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saint Louis University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants.
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Notes and References
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 · 19 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 8 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
