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Pennsylvania's business economics programs show a remarkable $25,503 cost gap between the most and least affordable options. Saint Francis University leads affordability at $19,173 net cost, while Carnegie Mellon commands $31,671 despite its 92.50% graduation rate and ultra-selective 11.30% acceptance rate. West Chester University offers the strongest value proposition for state residents at just $10,687 in-state tuition with graduates earning $50,856 annually. The state's finance and healthcare sectors, anchored by employers like UPMC and major pharmaceutical companies, create substantial demand for business economics graduates. These 15 programs span from small liberal arts colleges to research universities, with graduation rates ranging from 58.50% to 92.50%. Private institutions dominate the affordability rankings, though their sticker prices often exceed $40,000 before aid.
18
Programs
$19,173 – $44,876
Net Price Range
$71,719
Avg. Program Earnings
71.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

18 Business/Managerial Economics Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $19,173 $41,720 72.8% 73.1%
2 $19,258 $47,675 59.6% 75.2%
3 $21,900 $54,960 66.5% 69.7%
4 $22,673 $10,687 69.8% 87.9%
5 $23,206 $37,951 69.5% 80.9%
6 $23,331 $41,100 72.1% 73.4%
7 $25,717 $43,810 66.2% 66.3%
8 $25,866 $48,290 64.0% 77.6%
9 $26,198 $36,842 77.1% 81.1%
10 $26,539 $57,400 74.1% 76.7%
11 $27,263 $44,510 58.7% 80.6%
12 $27,663 $56,402 68.9% 76.2%
13 $28,329 $42,810 58.5% 59.0%
14 $30,470 $53,638 63.5% 87.7%
15 $31,671 $63,829 92.5% 11.3%
16 $33,549 $62,180 89.2% 37.0%
17 $34,978 $47,146 75.5% 87.5%
18 $44,876 $64,701 92.4% 23.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Saint Francis University the most affordable business economics program?

Saint Francis University offers the lowest net cost at $19,173 while maintaining a solid 72.80% graduation rate and reasonable 73.05% acceptance rate. The school provides substantial financial aid that reduces the $41,720 sticker price by more than half. Students benefit from small class sizes in the Allegheny Mountains setting while preparing for careers in Pennsylvania's growing business sectors.

How does West Chester University compare to private alternatives for business economics?

West Chester University delivers strong value at $10,687 in-state tuition with graduates earning $50,856 annually, providing clear return on investment data. The 87.85% acceptance rate makes admission accessible while the 69.80% graduation rate demonstrates solid student success. At $22,673 net cost for all students, it competes favorably against private schools costing $19,000 to $31,000.

Is Carnegie Mellon worth the higher cost for business economics?

Carnegie Mellon's $31,671 net cost reflects its elite status with a 92.50% graduation rate, the highest among these programs. The 11.30% acceptance rate makes it highly selective, attracting top students who benefit from proximity to Pittsburgh's tech and finance industries. The school's reputation opens doors at major employers like Comcast and regional pharmaceutical companies.

Where do business economics graduates find employment in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania's business economics graduates enter roles at UPMC, the state's largest employer, along with major pharmaceutical companies and Comcast's Philadelphia headquarters. The finance sector in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh provides opportunities in banking, investment management, and corporate finance. Healthcare administration represents another growth area, given Pennsylvania's concentration of major health systems and medical research facilities.

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.