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Economics Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

The Economics programs on this list show a remarkable earnings gap that tells the story of location and opportunity. While CUNY Brooklyn College graduates earn $26,353 annually, California State University-Fullerton Economics majors command $52,733, nearly double the salary despite similar net costs around $5,600. This spread reflects the economic reality that Economics graduates often find their highest-paying roles in major metropolitan areas where financial services, consulting firms, and corporate headquarters cluster. The dominance of CUNY schools across New York demonstrates how public education systems can deliver quality Economics training at costs below $5,000 annually. Baruch College stands out with its 72% graduation rate and $48,432 median earnings, positioning graduates well for careers on Wall Street and in corporate finance. Meanwhile, Berea College offers an unusual private option at $4,483 net cost, though with a highly selective 24% acceptance rate that makes it harder to access than the public alternatives.
50
Programs
$2,446 – $10,043
Net Price Range
$40,289
Avg. Program Earnings
49.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Economics Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,446 $7,382 61.0% 47.9%
2 $2,943 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
3 $2,978 $7,464 72.1% 49.5%
4 $3,046 $7,470 55.5% 50.7%
5 $3,482 $7,410 49.3% 55.3%
6 $3,486 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
7 $3,659 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
8 $3,830 $7,538 60.2% 69.5%
9 $4,113 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
10 $4,483 $49,326 62.0% 24.6%
11 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
12 $4,734 $7,358 30.3% 59.1%
13 $5,115 $7,490 32.8%
14 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
15 $5,646 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
16 $5,671 $7,826 58.0% 96.6%
17 $5,825 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
18 $5,918 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
19 $5,970 $8,179 36.9% 80.3%
20 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
21 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
22 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
23 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
24 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
25 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
26 $6,507 $5,324 52.5% 51.6%
27 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
28 $7,131 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
29 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
30 $8,001 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
31 $8,155 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
32 $8,257 $8,179 33.4% 85.2%
33 $8,327 $8,942 48.7% 96.9%
34 $8,364 $8,179 35.7% 86.9%
35 $8,463 $6,270 40.7%
36 $8,543 $9,000 36.3% 56.3%
37 $8,896 $17,462 59.5% 97.9%
38 $8,916 $12,252 61.4% 82.0%
39 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
40 $9,110 $14,288 61.9% 77.7%
41 $9,121 $9,708 59.5% 84.0%
42 $9,133 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
43 $9,173 $8,576 57.1% 73.2%
44 $9,477 $11,320 19.6% 57.5%
45 $9,634 $8,640 36.7%
46 $9,792 $6,817 53.5% 89.7%
47 $9,900 $8,379 46.6% 92.1%
48 $9,962 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
49 $10,011 $9,142 50.1% 85.3%
50 $10,043 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge earnings gap between the lowest and highest-earning Economics programs?

The earnings range spans from $26,353 at CUNY Brooklyn College to $52,733 at Cal State Fullerton, a difference of over $26,000 annually. This gap largely reflects regional job markets and proximity to major financial centers. New York and California programs place graduates in areas with higher concentrations of finance, consulting, and tech companies that value Economics training. The salary differences often offset the minimal cost variations between these programs.

How do CUNY schools dominate the most affordable Economics options?

Eight of the top 15 most affordable Economics programs come from the City University of New York system, with net costs ranging from $2,446 at Hunter College to $5,115 at Staten Island. These schools benefit from New York state funding and serve a large student population across the five boroughs. Baruch College leads CUNY schools with a 72% graduation rate and strong Wall Street connections, while Hunter College offers the lowest net cost nationally for Economics study.

Is Berea College worth considering despite being private?

Berea College costs just $4,483 net despite a $49,326 sticker price, making it competitive with public options. However, its 24% acceptance rate makes it the most selective school on this list by far. The college's unique model provides free tuition to students from low-income families, but the limited spots mean most applicants should have backup public options ready.

What makes Cal State Fullerton stand out for Economics earnings?

Cal State Fullerton Economics graduates earn $52,733 annually, the highest on this list and more than double some other programs. The school maintains a solid 69% graduation rate while keeping net costs at $5,646. Its location in Orange County provides access to both Los Angeles financial markets and the growing tech economy, creating strong demand for Economics graduates in corporate roles.

Where should students avoid based on graduation rates?

Ohio University's Eastern and Southern campuses show graduation rates of just 20% and 19% respectively, well below the 46-72% range of other schools. CUNY York College graduates only 30% of students, and College of Staten Island manages 33%. These low completion rates suggest students may struggle with academic support or face other barriers to finishing their Economics degree programs.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.