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Cheapest Economics Colleges

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

CUNY Baruch College graduates earning $48,432 annually from a program costing just $2,978 net represents one of economics education's best return investments. The City University of New York system dominates affordable economics training with eight programs under $5,000, while California State schools offer competitive alternatives averaging $4,473 for in-state students. New York's financial sector concentration creates natural internship and career pathways for CUNY economics students, with major banks and investment firms recruiting directly from campuses in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Net costs range from Hunter College's remarkable $2,446 to CSU Fullerton's $5,646, yet earnings potential varies dramatically. Baruch's 72.1% graduation rate stands notably above peers like CSU Dominguez Hills at 46.9%, suggesting program structure and student support matter as much as affordability. Private option Berea College matches public school pricing at $4,483 despite a $49,326 sticker price through extensive financial aid.
50
Programs
$2,446 – $10,043
Net Price Range
$40,289
Avg. Program Earnings
49.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Economics Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,446 $7,382 61.0% 47.9%
2 $2,943 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
3 $2,978 $7,464 72.1% 49.5%
4 $3,046 $7,470 55.5% 50.7%
5 $3,482 $7,410 49.3% 55.3%
6 $3,486 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
7 $3,659 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
8 $3,830 $7,538 60.2% 69.5%
9 $4,113 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
10 $4,483 $49,326 62.0% 24.6%
11 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
12 $4,734 $7,358 30.3% 59.1%
13 $5,115 $7,490 32.8%
14 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
15 $5,646 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
16 $5,671 $7,826 58.0% 96.6%
17 $5,825 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
18 $5,918 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
19 $5,970 $8,179 36.9% 80.3%
20 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
21 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
22 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
23 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
24 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
25 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
26 $6,507 $5,324 52.5% 51.6%
27 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
28 $7,131 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
29 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
30 $8,001 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
31 $8,155 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
32 $8,257 $8,179 33.4% 85.2%
33 $8,327 $8,942 48.7% 96.9%
34 $8,364 $8,179 35.7% 86.9%
35 $8,463 $6,270 40.7%
36 $8,543 $9,000 36.3% 56.3%
37 $8,896 $17,462 59.5% 97.9%
38 $8,916 $12,252 61.4% 82.0%
39 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
40 $9,110 $14,288 61.9% 77.7%
41 $9,121 $9,708 59.5% 84.0%
42 $9,133 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
43 $9,173 $8,576 57.1% 73.2%
44 $9,477 $11,320 19.6% 57.5%
45 $9,634 $8,640 36.7%
46 $9,792 $6,817 53.5% 89.7%
47 $9,900 $8,379 46.6% 92.1%
48 $9,962 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
49 $10,011 $9,142 50.1% 85.3%
50 $10,043 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY Baruch's economics program such strong value compared to other affordable options?

Baruch economics graduates earn $48,432 annually while paying just $2,978 net tuition, creating an earnings-to-cost ratio that outperforms most programs nationwide. The college maintains a 72.1% graduation rate, significantly higher than many affordable alternatives. Baruch's Manhattan location provides direct access to Wall Street internships and finance sector networking opportunities that translate into stronger job prospects upon graduation.

How do California State University economics programs compare to CUNY schools for affordability?

California State schools average $4,473 in net costs compared to CUNY's average of $3,505, making CUNY about $1,000 cheaper annually. CSU Fullerton graduates earn the highest among all affordable programs at $52,733, but students pay $5,646 net tuition. CUNY schools generally offer better cost efficiency, though California's varied economy provides economics graduates with opportunities in tech, entertainment, and international trade that may justify higher costs.

Does attending a more expensive program within this affordable range guarantee better earnings?

The data shows no clear correlation between cost and earnings among these affordable programs. CUNY Brooklyn at $2,943 produces graduates earning $26,353, while similarly priced Hunter College at $2,446 yields $39,523 graduates. CSU Fullerton's $5,646 cost generates the highest earnings at $52,733, but Baruch achieves strong $48,432 outcomes for roughly half that price. Program quality and regional job markets matter more than modest tuition differences.

Where can economics students find the lowest student debt loads among affordable programs?

CUNY City College graduates carry just $6,650 in average debt while paying $3,486 net annually, making it the best combination of low costs and minimal borrowing. Queens College follows at $7,295 debt with $3,830 net costs. Several CUNY schools report no debt data, suggesting many students graduate debt-free through combination of low tuition and financial aid. Ohio University satellite campuses show concerning $19,750 debt levels despite low net costs.

Is Berea College truly affordable despite its $49,326 published tuition rate?

Berea's $4,483 net cost makes it competitive with public schools despite the high sticker price through extensive need-based aid and work-study programs. The college maintains a 62% graduation rate, above most affordable alternatives, and accepts only 24.58% of applicants compared to 50-90% at public schools. However, Berea doesn't report earnings data, making it difficult to assess return on investment compared to CUNY or CSU programs with documented graduate outcomes.

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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.