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Best Value Economics Colleges in Massachusetts

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

Massachusetts economics programs deliver the nation's most extreme cost-to-earnings ratio, with MIT graduates earning $110,878 annually while paying just $19,813 in net costs. This 5.6-to-1 return eclipses nearly every other state program, while Harvard and Williams graduates earn over $74,000 with net costs under $19,000. The state's concentration of financial services firms, biotech companies, and consulting giants around Boston creates unmatched entry-level opportunities for economics graduates. Public options like Worcester State University offer solid regional employment prospects at $14,738 net cost, though private colleges dominate the highest-earning outcomes. With MassGrant Plus reducing costs for middle-income families, students can access top-tier economics training at surprisingly affordable rates. The earnings gap between top-tier and mid-tier programs reaches $74,000 annually, reflecting the state's bifurcated economy where elite consulting and finance roles command premium salaries while regional positions offer steady middle-class incomes.
38
Programs
$14,738 – $43,273
Net Price Range
$57,896
Avg. Program Earnings
73.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

38 Economics Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $19,813 $110,878 $60,156 96.1% 4.0%
2 $14,852 $76,460 $64,860 96.6% 8.5%
3 $16,816 $78,971 $59,076 97.3% 3.2%
4 $18,246 $74,576 $67,280 93.4% 7.3%
5 $14,738 $46,673 $11,286 55.5% 87.7%
6 $25,008 $76,460 $64,320 91.2% 13.6%
7 $18,561 $49,019 $11,882 54.9% 81.5%
8 $18,282 $44,728 $15,496 51.1% 80.8%
9 $17,970 $43,426 $11,389 54.6% 87.7%
10 $23,691 $49,595 $17,357 83.2% 63.5%
11 $35,435 $71,778 $67,844 93.3% 9.7%
12 $26,996 $53,454 $65,168 90.0% 14.4%
13 $18,627 $36,852 $16,570 70.1% 86.0%
14 $33,885 $66,401 $64,946 86.1% 39.4%
15 $32,116 $60,046 $63,141 90.4% 6.8%
16 $24,817 $45,918 $28,100 67.6% 91.8%
17 $26,181 $47,650 $61,568 89.7% 22.9%
18 $27,313 $49,323 $45,538 71.2% 76.5%
19 $36,868 $66,519 $60,850 89.6% 36.4%
20 $29,969 $52,941 $54,500 80.8% 73.4%
21 $39,866 $69,069 $67,680 91.0% 16.7%
22 $28,853 $47,260 $49,414 74.6% 82.3%
23 $30,031 $48,432 $45,380 59.8% 86.8%
24 $30,934 $42,682 $62,080 75.7% 79.5%
25 $29,562 $38,289 $64,142 85.0% 39.8%
26 $31,170 $46,430 63.9% 88.0%
27 $25,299 $42,970 42.3% 89.4%
28 $27,711 $55,160 77.1% 50.3%
29 $43,273 $59,070 88.4% 57.5%
30 $36,684 $66,594 54.2% 95.5%
31 $31,569 $46,686 65.8% 79.7%
32 $20,605 $15,208 49.0% 95.5%
33 $18,441 $11,978 55.0% 92.7%
34 $37,899 $51,786 72.1% 74.6%
35 $15,432 $11,046 52.7% 86.1%
36 $16,698 $11,630 49.5% 87.4%
37 $38,787 $58,150 88.2% 57.9%
38 $25,810 $56,630 57.2% 68.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes MIT economics such an outlier in terms of value?

MIT economics graduates earn $110,878 annually, which is $34,000 more than Harvard graduates despite lower net costs of $19,813. The program's quantitative focus aligns perfectly with Boston's fintech and consulting sectors. With a 96.1% graduation rate and 3.96% acceptance rate, MIT produces the highest-earning economics graduates in Massachusetts while maintaining relatively affordable net pricing through generous financial aid.

How do public university economics programs compare financially?

Worcester State University offers the lowest net cost at $14,738 with graduates earning $46,673, creating a solid middle-class pathway. UMass Amherst provides the best public value with $23,691 net costs and $49,595 earnings, while maintaining an 83.2% graduation rate. Public programs typically cost $15,000-24,000 in net expenses compared to $15,000-35,000 for private colleges, though private school graduates often earn $20,000-65,000 more annually.

Is the earnings gap between elite and regional programs worth the cost difference?

Elite programs like Williams and Harvard produce graduates earning $74,000-79,000 annually with net costs under $19,000, while regional programs like UMass Lowell generate $36,852 in earnings at $18,627 net cost. The $37,000+ annual earnings difference typically justifies higher application costs and competition. However, regional programs offer better work-life balance opportunities and lower student debt burdens averaging $20,000-25,000.

Does Massachusetts offer unique advantages for economics students?

Massachusetts hosts the highest concentration of mutual fund companies, biotech firms, and consulting offices outside New York, creating abundant internship and job opportunities. The state's MassGrant Plus program helps middle-income families afford private college tuition, making elite economics programs more accessible. Boston's proximity to major employers like Fidelity, State Street, and Bain means students can network and secure positions before graduation, explaining the state's strong post-graduation earning potential.

Where do the best value economics programs balance cost and outcomes?

Williams College offers strong value with $14,852 net costs and $76,460 graduate earnings, creating a 5.1-to-1 annual return ratio. Harvard provides similar value at $16,816 net cost with $78,971 earnings and minimal debt of $6,617. Among public options, UMass Amherst delivers solid returns with moderate costs and strong regional employment connections, while Worcester State serves students seeking affordable access to Massachusetts' economics job market.

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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.