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Best Value Economics Colleges in Pennsylvania

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

Swarthmore College economics graduates earn $81,702 annually despite the program's net cost of just $18,686, creating an strong return on investment that outpaces even Ivy League competitors. This small liberal arts college accepts only 6.93% of applicants yet delivers the highest earnings among Pennsylvania's economics programs. The state's finance and healthcare sectors, anchored by employers like UPMC and major pharmaceutical companies, provide strong career pathways for economics graduates. Public universities offer dramatically lower costs, with East Stroudsburg at $15,089 net price, though earnings typically range from $36,848 to $43,798. The University of Pennsylvania commands a $31,229 net cost but produces graduates earning $77,087, reflecting the premium Philadelphia's financial district places on elite credentials. Carnegie Mellon bridges the gap at $31,671 net cost with $69,338 in graduate earnings, leveraging Pittsburgh's growing tech economy.
48
Programs
$12,251 – $44,876
Net Price Range
$52,202
Avg. Program Earnings
71.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

48 Economics Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $18,686 $81,702 $62,412 94.1% 6.9%
2 $16,630 $43,479 $14,620 43.4% 93.6%
3 $31,229 $77,087 $66,104 96.8% 6.5%
4 $15,089 $36,848 $11,036 43.8% 93.6%
5 $17,216 $39,585 $11,380 52.4% 91.9%
6 $18,952 $43,479 $14,646 53.4% 97.4%
7 $19,258 $42,682 $47,675 59.6% 75.2%
8 $31,671 $69,338 $63,829 92.5% 11.3%
9 $20,231 $43,798 $12,262 54.4% 92.4%
10 $21,900 $41,087 $54,960 66.5% 69.7%
11 $30,086 $55,964 $64,230 82.7% 56.3%
12 $32,496 $58,943 $62,574 88.1% 33.6%
13 $25,544 $46,087 $28,185 71.4% 88.1%
14 $30,314 $54,644 $60,240 80.2% 65.5%
15 $29,219 $50,060 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%
16 $38,428 $65,387 $60,663 77.1% 79.6%
17 $32,191 $50,320 $63,475 83.4% 34.9%
18 $30,485 $47,650 $59,196 76.6% 82.2%
19 $30,528 $47,260 $52,309 80.8% 84.4%
20 $28,132 $42,682 $50,320 72.5% 76.7%
21 $35,487 $52,941 $51,340 79.8% 88.7%
22 $30,074 $43,479 $21,524 84.3% 49.1%
23 $39,061 $55,964 $68,380 86.0% 36.2%
24 $40,429 $55,102 $64,772 86.2% 32.6%
25 $44,876 $59,485 $64,701 92.4% 23.4%
26 $20,800 $39,470 65.9% 75.3%
27 $21,241 $27,000 51.8% 94.1%
28 $19,685 $24,606 59.7% 95.6%
29 $21,664 $28,794 42.2% 84.9%
30 $26,539 $57,400 74.1% 76.7%
31 $19,524 $10,507 65.9% 74.3%
32 $23,553 $13,544 51.6% 87.8%
33 $21,360 $13,920
34 $30,465 $44,800 71.0% 77.2%
35 $23,331 $41,100 72.1% 73.4%
36 $25,747 $34,940 65.6% 93.8%
37 $24,791 $38,160 59.6% 82.1%
38 $34,978 $47,146 75.5% 87.5%
39 $40,690 $62,560 85.6% 30.8%
40 $29,843 $52,000 71.1% 67.0%
41 $25,717 $43,810 66.2% 66.3%
42 $27,686 $40,640 78.5% 79.4%
43 $21,409 $35,570 57.9% 94.3%
44 $23,281 $42,600 60.1% 96.0%
45 $27,663 $56,402 68.9% 76.2%
46 $12,251 $33,968 60.4% 77.4%
47 $25,210 $68,300 89.4% 14.2%
48 $26,198 $36,842 77.1% 81.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Swarthmore College's economics program such strong value despite its selectivity?

Swarthmore accepts only 6.93% of applicants yet maintains a net cost of $18,686 while producing graduates who earn $81,702 annually. The college's 94.10% graduation rate indicates strong student support systems. Its liberal arts approach combined with rigorous economics training appeals to top employers in Pennsylvania's finance and consulting sectors.

How do public university economics programs compare for cost-conscious students?

East Stroudsburg offers the lowest net cost at $15,089 with graduates earning $36,848, while University of Pittsburgh-Bradford costs $16,630 and produces $43,479 in graduate earnings. Indiana University of Pennsylvania falls in between at $17,216 net cost with $39,585 earnings. These programs serve students well despite lower acceptance selectivity ranging from 91% to 94%.

Is the University of Pennsylvania worth its high cost for economics students?

Penn's $31,229 net cost produces graduates earning $77,087 annually, ranking second in the state for economics earnings. The 96.80% graduation rate and 6.50% acceptance rate reflect academic rigor and student success. Philadelphia's concentration of financial services firms and consulting companies actively recruit from Penn's economics program.

Does Carnegie Mellon's economics program leverage Pittsburgh's tech growth?

Carnegie Mellon economics graduates earn $69,338 annually from a program costing $31,671 net price. The university's strength in data analysis and quantitative methods aligns with Pittsburgh's expanding technology sector. The 92.50% graduation rate demonstrates strong student outcomes despite the 11.30% acceptance rate.

Where do mid-tier private colleges fit in Pennsylvania's economics market?

Schools like Lafayette College at $32,496 net cost produce $58,943 in graduate earnings, while Gettysburg College costs $30,086 with $55,964 earnings. These programs maintain graduation rates between 82% and 88%, offering strong alumni networks. Their moderate selectivity provides access to quality economics education without Ivy League competition.

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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.