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Best Value Economics Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Princeton University economics graduates earn $103,078 annually while paying just $10,555 net cost, creating an extraordinary return on investment that highlights how elite private schools can sometimes offer better value than their sticker prices suggest. This contrasts sharply with CUNY Brooklyn College, where economics students pay only $2,943 but earn $26,353 after graduation. The wide earnings gap reflects how economics programs serve different career paths, from Wall Street finance roles that cluster around New York's financial district to public sector positions throughout the country. California State University-Fullerton demonstrates the middle ground, combining a reasonable $5,646 net cost with solid $52,733 earnings potential. The data reveals that economics remains one of the most market-responsive majors, with graduates often finding opportunities in the Federal Reserve system, major banks, and consulting firms that heavily recruit from both public and private institutions across these price points.
50
Programs
$2,446 – $20,148
Net Price Range
$54,374
Avg. Program Earnings
70.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Economics Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,978 $48,432 $7,464 72.1% 49.5%
2 $2,446 $39,523 $7,382 61.0% 47.9%
3 $3,046 $40,179 $7,470 55.5% 50.7%
4 $3,482 $36,995 $7,410 49.3% 55.3%
5 $3,486 $36,310 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
6 $10,555 $103,078 $59,710 97.1% 5.7%
7 $5,646 $52,733 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
8 $3,830 $34,505 $7,538 60.2% 69.5%
9 $2,943 $26,353 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
10 $5,825 $49,683 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
11 $6,351 $48,265 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
12 $12,136 $85,391 $62,484 92.8% 3.7%
13 $5,115 $31,495 $7,490 32.8%
14 $9,792 $58,221 $6,817 53.5% 89.7%
15 $12,640 $72,884 $58,128 95.7% 8.7%
16 $5,918 $33,459 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
17 $19,813 $110,878 $60,156 96.1% 4.0%
18 $8,896 $48,243 $17,462 59.5% 97.9%
19 $7,599 $39,909 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
20 $14,852 $76,460 $64,860 96.6% 8.5%
21 $13,773 $69,338 $14,278 63.6% 81.5%
22 $8,001 $40,209 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
23 $6,480 $31,839 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
24 $14,979 $70,379 $14,850 92.9% 11.3%
25 $16,816 $78,971 $59,076 97.3% 3.2%
26 $10,011 $46,087 $9,142 50.1% 85.3%
27 $18,967 $85,637 $66,939 94.9% 5.4%
28 $8,931 $40,179 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
29 $9,133 $41,007 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
30 $6,500 $29,141 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
31 $13,825 $60,790 $14,965 85.3% 25.9%
32 $18,686 $81,702 $62,412 94.1% 6.9%
33 $11,432 $47,952 $6,770 59.0% 83.9%
34 $11,504 $48,243 $17,462 56.7% 97.4%
35 $14,832 $61,829 $17,228 93.2% 17.7%
36 $18,161 $75,047 $63,340 94.6% 7.3%
37 $10,550 $43,319 $7,739 54.2% 95.2%
38 $18,246 $74,576 $67,280 93.4% 7.3%
39 $10,512 $42,682 $7,602 55.8% 93.2%
40 $12,869 $52,107 $9,228 57.3% 93.7%
41 $11,408 $46,087 $10,449 53.9% 82.9%
42 $13,801 $55,512 $8,190 60.5% 94.0%
43 $10,904 $43,575 $14,944 56.6% 54.1%
44 $12,983 $51,794 $8,989 92.1% 17.1%
45 $19,424 $77,213 $62,326 93.2% 7.0%
46 $20,148 $79,419 $69,045 95.0% 4.0%
47 $11,750 $46,300 $15,265 87.6% 23.7%
48 $10,916 $42,682 $11,436 53.7% 97.0%
49 $9,110 $35,594 $14,288 61.9% 77.7%
50 $12,030 $46,478 $9,470 68.4% 45.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $76,725 earnings difference between Princeton and CUNY Brooklyn economics programs?

Princeton economics graduates earn $103,078 compared to $26,353 at CUNY Brooklyn, reflecting different career trajectories and alumni networks. Princeton's 97.1% graduation rate and elite status open doors to high-paying finance and consulting roles. CUNY Brooklyn serves a different mission with broader access, evidenced by its 54.5% acceptance rate versus Princeton's highly selective 5.7% rate.

How do California State economics programs compare in terms of value?

Cal State Fullerton offers strong value with $52,733 earnings against $5,646 net cost, while Cal State Bakersfield shows $49,683 earnings for $5,825. Cal State Channel Islands stands out with the highest earnings at $58,221, though net costs reach $9,792. The 69.2% graduation rate at Fullerton suggests solid program completion despite the larger student body.

Is the low net cost at CUNY schools worth the potentially lower earnings?

CUNY schools offer strong affordability with net costs ranging from $2,446 to $5,115, making economics education accessible regardless of family income. Baruch College provides the best CUNY value proposition with $48,432 earnings and just $2,978 net cost. The low debt loads, typically under $12,500, mean graduates enter the workforce without significant financial burdens that could limit career choices.

Does acceptance rate correlate with program value in economics?

The data shows mixed patterns between selectivity and value. Stanford accepts just 3.68% of applicants and delivers $85,391 earnings, while Cal State Bakersfield accepts 86.55% and still produces $49,683 earnings. University of Florida combines moderate selectivity at 23.35% acceptance with strong value through $48,265 earnings and only $6,351 net cost, suggesting selectivity alone doesn't determine program worth.

Where do the highest-earning economics programs cluster geographically?

The top earnings concentrate around major financial centers, with New York area schools like Princeton ($103,078) and Baruch ($48,432) leading the pack. California programs show consistent mid-range earnings between $49,683 and $58,221, reflecting the state's varied economy. Texas representation through Rice University demonstrates strong $72,884 earnings potential, likely tied to Houston's energy sector and broader business opportunities.

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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.