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Best Value Economics Colleges in Ohio

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

Franklin University stands out among Ohio's economics programs with graduates earning $58,673 annually despite a net price of just $22,605, creating an strong return on investment. The state's 15 economics programs show dramatic cost variations, ranging from University of Akron's $14,981 net price to Denison University's $38,111, yet earnings span a narrower $35,060 to $58,673 range. Ohio's varied economy, anchored by healthcare giants like Cleveland Clinic, manufacturing leaders including Honda, and growing tech sectors, provides economics graduates with varied career paths across multiple industries. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with five programs under $21,000 in net costs, while private institutions like Kenyon College achieve 86.8% graduation rates. The Ohio College Opportunity Grant further reduces financial barriers for in-state students pursuing economics degrees.
42
Programs
$4,503 – $39,184
Net Price Range
$45,056
Avg. Program Earnings
57.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

42 Economics Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,981 $42,682 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
2 $22,605 $58,673 $9,577 30.3%
3 $20,918 $50,439 $14,081 62.8% 78.7%
4 $16,065 $37,208 $12,613 48.9% 85.3%
5 $18,292 $42,276 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
6 $17,460 $38,289 $12,377 55.6% 92.2%
7 $27,662 $52,607 $17,809 81.8% 87.9%
8 $28,617 $53,358 $49,100 76.5% 82.4%
9 $25,766 $48,041 $59,550 73.6% 56.3%
10 $29,383 $50,856 $69,330 86.8% 34.3%
11 $20,413 $35,060 $13,746 66.4% 86.5%
12 $23,156 $38,289 $13,570 71.5% 86.2%
13 $32,342 $52,107 $48,125 70.5% 84.5%
14 $38,111 $50,439 $64,000 80.1% 22.0%
15 $31,236 $36,141 $47,600 81.5% 74.1%
16 $39,184 $41,205 $64,646 79.5% 34.9%
17 $38,909 $38,289 $64,671 87.0% 27.4%
18 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
19 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
20 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
21 $22,539 $35,400 64.9% 75.8%
22 $21,619 $52,357 61.7% 52.2%
23 $22,140 $34,899 68.9% 83.7%
24 $23,987 $32,630 77.1% 66.7%
25 $22,872 $30,962 55.1% 88.1%
26 $19,470 $44,602 53.8% 93.9%
27 $15,216 $11,188 45.9% 95.2%
28 $11,877 $10,791 52.9% 80.6%
29 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
30 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
31 $19,476 $34,370 47.9% 52.4%
32 $20,204 $31,440 52.7% 86.4%
33 $18,372 $38,974 58.1% 82.9%
34 $19,614 $12,846 65.5% 88.0%
35 $20,088 $26,265 59.1% 93.1%
36 $21,662 $33,628 49.8% 71.4%
37 $23,731 $39,646 62.6% 86.0%
38 $16,544 $7,824 25.6% 88.8%
39 $23,585 $41,788 65.5% 72.2%
40 $17,430 $36,298 49.5% 96.3%
41 $27,654 $37,938 68.6% 77.0%
42 $21,994 $28,910 60.6% 71.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Franklin University's economics program such a strong value proposition?

Franklin University delivers the highest graduate earnings at $58,673 while maintaining a moderate $22,605 net price, creating one of the best earnings-to-cost ratios in Ohio. The program serves working adults through flexible scheduling and practical curriculum. Despite a 30.3% graduation rate that reflects its non-traditional student population, graduates achieve substantial financial returns that surpass even more expensive private institutions.

How do public university economics programs compare in terms of affordability?

Ohio's public economics programs range from $14,981 at University of Akron to $27,662 at Miami University-Oxford, offering significant savings over private alternatives. Five public institutions keep net costs below $21,000, with in-state tuition rates between $12,377 and $17,809. These programs maintain respectable graduation rates from 48.2% to 87.7% while preparing students for Ohio's major employers like Honda and Cleveland Clinic.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Ohio economics programs?

Ohio State leads public institutions with an 87.7% graduation rate at $18,292 net cost, while expensive Denison University achieves 80.1% at $38,111. However, affordable University of Akron manages only 48.2% graduation despite low costs, and Franklin University's 30.3% rate reflects its focus on working adult learners. The relationship between cost and completion varies significantly based on institutional mission and student demographics.

Where do Ohio economics graduates find the best earning potential?

Franklin University graduates earn $58,673 annually, followed by John Carroll University at $53,358 and Miami University-Oxford at $52,607, showing that both private and public programs can deliver strong outcomes. Ohio's healthcare sector, including Cleveland Clinic and Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, provides analytical roles for economics graduates. The state's manufacturing base and emerging tech industries also create demand for economic analysis and financial planning expertise.

What debt levels can students expect from Ohio economics programs?

Reported debt levels range from $18,500 at University of Cincinnati to $27,000 at Xavier University, with most programs falling between $19,750 and $26,250. Kenyon College maintains lower debt at $18,718 despite its high sticker price, indicating strong financial aid support. Public universities generally offer lower debt burdens, while the Ohio College Opportunity Grant provides additional assistance for qualifying in-state students pursuing economics degrees.

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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.