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Cheapest Economics Colleges in Ohio

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

Ohio University's regional campuses create an unusual economics education market where students can access the same degree program for dramatically different costs. The Eastern Campus in Saint Clairsville offers the state's most affordable economics program at just $4,503 annually, while the main Athens campus charges significantly more for identical coursework. This cost disparity extends across all five Ohio University regional locations, with net prices ranging from $4,503 to $6,483. Students graduate with $19,750 in debt regardless of campus choice. Ohio's manufacturing sector, anchored by Honda's major operations and Cleveland Clinic's healthcare economics, provides natural career pathways for economics graduates. The University of Akron produces economics alumni earning $42,682 annually, reflecting strong connections to the state's industrial base. Public universities dominate affordable options, with eight schools offering net prices below $18,000. Private institutions like Bluffton University charge $17,430 after aid, competing directly with public alternatives.
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 In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
2 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
3 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
4 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
5 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
6 $11,877 $10,791 52.9% 80.6%
7 $14,981 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
8 $15,216 $11,188 45.9% 95.2%
9 $16,065 $12,613 48.9% 85.3%
10 $16,544 $7,824 25.6% 88.8%
11 $17,430 $36,298 49.5% 96.3%
12 $17,460 $12,377 55.6% 92.2%
13 $18,292 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
14 $18,372 $38,974 58.1% 82.9%
15 $19,470 $44,602 53.8% 93.9%
16 $19,476 $34,370 47.9% 52.4%
17 $19,614 $12,846 65.5% 88.0%
18 $20,088 $26,265 59.1% 93.1%
19 $20,204 $31,440 52.7% 86.4%
20 $20,413 $13,746 66.4% 86.5%
21 $20,918 $14,081 62.8% 78.7%
22 $21,619 $52,357 61.7% 52.2%
23 $21,662 $33,628 49.8% 71.4%
24 $21,994 $28,910 60.6% 71.8%
25 $22,140 $34,899 68.9% 83.7%
26 $22,539 $35,400 64.9% 75.8%
27 $22,605 $9,577 30.3%
28 $22,872 $30,962 55.1% 88.1%
29 $23,156 $13,570 71.5% 86.2%
30 $23,585 $41,788 65.5% 72.2%
31 $23,731 $39,646 62.6% 86.0%
32 $23,987 $32,630 77.1% 66.7%
33 $25,766 $59,550 73.6% 56.3%
34 $27,654 $37,938 68.6% 77.0%
35 $27,662 $17,809 81.8% 87.9%
36 $28,617 $49,100 76.5% 82.4%
37 $29,383 $69,330 86.8% 34.3%
38 $31,236 $47,600 81.5% 74.1%
39 $32,342 $48,125 70.5% 84.5%
40 $38,111 $64,000 80.1% 22.0%
41 $38,909 $64,671 87.0% 27.4%
42 $39,184 $64,646 79.5% 34.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Ohio University's regional campuses so affordable for economics students?

Ohio University's regional campuses offer identical economics curriculum at drastically reduced costs compared to main campuses. The Eastern Campus charges just $4,503 annually while Southern Campus costs $5,328, both providing the same degree credentials. Students across all five regional locations graduate with consistent $19,750 debt loads. This structure allows students to access Ohio University's academic reputation while maintaining extremely low educational costs.

How do economics graduate earnings compare across Ohio's most affordable programs?

University of Akron economics graduates earn the highest salaries at $42,682 annually, followed closely by Ohio State at $42,276. Cleveland State graduates average $37,208 while Toledo alumni earn $38,289 per year. These earnings reflect Ohio's strong manufacturing and healthcare sectors, where economics graduates find positions in corporate analysis, healthcare administration, and industrial planning roles.

Is there a significant cost difference between public and private economics programs in Ohio?

Ohio's public universities dominate the affordable economics market, with net prices ranging from $4,503 to $18,292 annually. Bluffton University represents the most affordable private option at $17,430, actually undercutting several public institutions. However, most private schools charge significantly more, making Ohio's public system particularly attractive for budget-conscious economics students.

Does attending a regional campus affect graduation rates for economics students?

Ohio University regional campuses show notably lower graduation rates, ranging from 12.1% at Chillicothe to 20% at Eastern Campus. These rates contrast sharply with main campus programs like Ohio State's 87.7% graduation rate and Toledo's 55.6%. However, the extreme affordability may offset completion concerns for students prioritizing minimal debt over traditional campus experiences.

Where do Ohio economics graduates typically find employment after graduation?

Ohio's economics graduates benefit from the state's varied economic base, including Cleveland Clinic's healthcare operations, Honda's manufacturing facilities, and growing tech sectors in Columbus and Cincinnati. Average starting salaries range from $35,060 to $42,682, reflecting opportunities in corporate analysis, government planning, and financial services. The Ohio College Opportunity Grant provides additional support for students pursuing economics degrees at qualifying institutions.

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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.