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Best Value Economics Colleges in Minnesota

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

Economics students at University of Minnesota-Morris pay just $9,110 net price, making it the most affordable option in the state by a significant margin. This stark difference becomes more pronounced when comparing earnings outcomes across Minnesota's 20 programs, where graduates range from $35,594 to $64,493 annually. Macalester College leads in post-graduation earnings at $64,493, though students pay $29,980 net price for that advantage. The state's economic market offers Economics graduates strong prospects, particularly with major employers like UnitedHealth Group and Target Corporation headquartered here, plus the Mayo Clinic's economic research initiatives. Public universities dominate the lower cost tier, with most charging under $19,000 net price, while private colleges like St. Olaf and Macalester command higher prices but often deliver superior graduation rates above 80%. The Minnesota State Grant program helps bridge affordability gaps for qualifying students across all institution types.
23
Programs
$9,110 – $30,525
Net Price Range
$48,850
Avg. Program Earnings
67.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

23 Economics Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $9,110 $35,594 $14,288 61.9% 77.7%
2 $17,139 $52,584 $16,488 84.8% 74.9%
3 $18,609 $51,106 $9,490 54.1% 70.7%
4 $14,485 $39,369 $10,117 46.9% 95.3%
5 $18,464 $47,260 $14,318 64.5% 80.7%
6 $21,563 $50,856 $49,758 65.1% 92.5%
7 $21,385 $49,058 $48,311 57.7% 80.6%
8 $22,752 $52,107 $56,970 83.5% 56.4%
9 $29,980 $64,493 $64,908 90.4% 28.4%
10 $18,148 $38,289 $10,498 60.9% 73.8%
11 $27,018 $55,151 $53,942 75.7% 86.2%
12 $26,895 $52,107 $54,310 75.9% 73.9%
13 $23,875 $45,696 $43,942 52.4% 76.5%
14 $30,525 $50,231 $52,284 75.2% 77.0%
15 $19,181 $9,780 38.4% 81.7%
16 $25,651 $30,020 71.8% 65.5%
17 $17,816 $10,336 54.6% 56.6%
18 $23,574 $29,460 63.6% 90.8%
19 $28,065 $53,884 83.0% 87.8%
20 $27,320 $65,457 91.2% 16.6%
21 $28,439 $42,930 75.2% 72.5%
22 $23,949 $40,454 63.0% 96.6%
23 $17,050 $10,164 53.4% 77.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $20,870 gap between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

University of Minnesota-Morris costs $9,110 net price while University of St Thomas reaches $30,525, reflecting the public-private divide. Morris operates as a smaller public liberal arts campus with lower overhead costs and state subsidies. Private institutions like St Thomas typically offer smaller class sizes and more personalized attention, justifying higher tuition. The earnings difference between these schools is $14,637, with St Thomas graduates earning $50,231 versus Morris graduates at $35,594.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in Minnesota?

Higher-priced programs generally show stronger completion rates, with Macalester achieving 90.4% graduation at $29,980 net cost. Budget-friendly options like Metropolitan State University struggle more, graduating only 38.4% of students despite charging $19,181. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities breaks this pattern, combining a reasonable $17,139 net price with an impressive 84.8% graduation rate. Saint Cloud State accepts 95.28% of applicants but graduates just 46.9%, suggesting open access comes with completion challenges.

Is University of Minnesota-Twin Cities the best value overall?

The Twin Cities campus offers strong value with $17,139 net cost, $52,584 median earnings, and 84.8% graduation rate. Students graduate with manageable debt of $19,500, well below many private alternatives. The campus benefits from proximity to Minneapolis-St. Paul's financial district and major corporations like UnitedHealth Group. Only Macalester produces higher-earning graduates, but at nearly double the net cost and similar debt levels.

Does attending private colleges justify the higher costs for Economics majors?

Private colleges show mixed value propositions depending on specific outcomes desired. Macalester graduates earn $64,493 but pay $29,980 net price, creating a strong long-term return despite high upfront costs. St. Olaf graduates earn $52,107 with 83.5% completion rates, comparable to top public options but at $22,752 net cost. However, schools like Hamline University charge $21,385 for graduates earning $49,058, making public alternatives more attractive financially.

Where do Minnesota Economics graduates find the best job opportunities?

The Twin Cities metropolitan area hosts major employers seeking Economics graduates, including UnitedHealth Group, Target Corporation, and numerous financial services firms. Mayo Clinic in Rochester also employs economists for healthcare policy research and analysis. State government positions in St. Paul offer stable career paths in budget analysis and policy development. Many graduates earning above $50,000 work for Fortune 500 companies headquartered in Minnesota, benefiting from the state's strong business climate and economic growth.

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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.