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Best Value Economics Colleges in Michigan

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

The University of Michigan-Dearborn delivers the state's most affordable Economics education at just $10,904 net cost while maintaining strong graduate outcomes of $43,575. This creates a remarkable contrast with private options like Hope College, which costs $25,749 despite lacking earnings data. Michigan's automotive headquarters continue driving demand for economists, with General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis requiring market analysis professionals for electric vehicle transitions and global supply chain management. The state's public universities dominate the value equation, with eight of the top ten spots offering sub-$18,000 net costs. Ann Arbor stands apart with $61,829 median earnings and a 93.20% graduation rate, though its 17.69% acceptance rate makes admission highly competitive. The $14,832 net cost at Ann Arbor represents just 24% of eventual earnings, creating one of the strongest return-on-investment ratios nationwide. Meanwhile, regional campuses like Michigan-Flint provide accessible entry points at $12,280 with solid $43,798 earnings potential. The Michigan Achievement Scholarship adds up to $5,500 annually for in-state students, making these already affordable programs even more attractive for future economists entering the state's evolving industrial market.
21
Programs
$10,904 – $25,749
Net Price Range
$41,673
Avg. Program Earnings
64.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

21 Economics Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,832 $61,829 $17,228 93.2% 17.7%
2 $10,904 $43,575 $14,944 56.6% 54.1%
3 $12,280 $43,798 $14,014 44.6% 66.4%
4 $13,584 $42,682 $14,694 56.9% 90.1%
5 $18,873 $55,964 $58,764 81.7% 79.3%
6 $14,773 $43,798 $14,297 56.5% 75.3%
7 $17,096 $42,682 $14,628 68.6% 90.4%
8 $16,041 $39,729 $14,190 61.8% 79.0%
9 $16,882 $41,349 $55,746 57.1% 66.5%
10 $20,751 $48,823 $15,988 82.2% 88.0%
11 $17,485 $34,420 $13,304 50.8% 70.6%
12 $18,701 $33,993 $15,298 57.8% 84.6%
13 $17,084 $26,353 $15,510 45.5% 83.2%
14 $24,783 $24,421 $38,670 77.4% 74.2%
15 $25,749 $40,420 82.3% 80.5%
16 $22,384 $29,100 61.6% 81.8%
17 $15,729 $18,392 68.7% 93.7%
18 $16,179 $32,300 68.1% 90.5%
19 $18,902 $38,520 62.5% 90.8%
20 $24,663 $47,430 63.7% 64.7%
21 $21,504 $40,556 56.0% 69.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Michigan-Dearborn the best value for Economics?

Michigan-Dearborn offers the lowest net cost at $10,904 while producing graduates earning $43,575 annually. The campus maintains a 56.60% graduation rate with manageable debt levels of $27,287. This combination creates a debt-to-income ratio that allows graduates to pay off loans within reasonable timeframes while building careers in Michigan's growing economic sectors.

How do earnings compare between Michigan's public and private Economics programs?

Public universities show stronger earnings performance overall, with Michigan-Ann Arbor leading at $61,829 and Michigan State at $48,823. Private schools like Kalamazoo College produce $55,964 earners but cost significantly more at $18,873 net price. The earnings gap between top public programs ($61,829) and lower-tier options ($24,421) spans $37,408 annually.

Is the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor worth the higher cost for Economics?

Ann Arbor's $61,829 median earnings justify the $14,832 net cost for most students, creating a 4.2-to-1 earnings multiplier. The 93.20% graduation rate far exceeds other Michigan options, though the 17.69% acceptance rate limits access. Graduates earn $18,000+ more annually than Michigan State alumni while paying just $5,000 more in net costs.

Does the Michigan Achievement Scholarship apply to Economics programs?

The Michigan Achievement Scholarship provides up to $5,500 annually for in-state students at participating public universities. This benefit reduces net costs at schools like Michigan-Dearborn to potentially $5,404 and Michigan State to $15,488. The scholarship significantly improves affordability for Economics students planning careers in Michigan's automotive, healthcare, or technology sectors.

Where do Michigan Economics graduates find employment after college?

Michigan's automotive industry employs many Economics graduates at Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis for market research and financial analysis roles. The state's growing healthcare systems and emerging technology companies also recruit heavily from programs like Michigan-Ann Arbor and Michigan State. Regional banking centers in Detroit and Grand Rapids provide additional career paths with starting salaries reflecting the $42,000-$62,000 range seen in program data.

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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.