Skip to main content

Cheapest Economics Colleges in Pennsylvania

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

Holy Family University offers the most affordable Economics program in Pennsylvania at just $12,251 net cost, creating an unusual situation where private education costs less than many public alternatives. This 20-school market reveals dramatic pricing gaps, with net costs ranging from Holy Family's budget-friendly rate to $24,791 at the high end. Pennsylvania's economy provides strong career foundations for Economics graduates, with major employers like UPMC, Comcast, and pharmaceutical giants offering roles in healthcare economics, market analysis, and financial planning. Swarthmore College produces the highest-earning graduates at $81,702 annually, though its 6.93% acceptance rate makes admission highly competitive. Public options like East Stroudsburg University charge $15,089 net cost while maintaining a 93.63% acceptance rate, making economics education accessible across different academic profiles. The state's mix of urban financial centers and healthcare networks creates varied internship and career opportunities for students studying economic principles.
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 In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,251 $33,968 60.4% 77.4%
2 $15,089 $11,036 43.8% 93.6%
3 $16,630 $14,620 43.4% 93.6%
4 $17,216 $11,380 52.4% 91.9%
5 $18,686 $62,412 94.1% 6.9%
6 $18,952 $14,646 53.4% 97.4%
7 $19,258 $47,675 59.6% 75.2%
8 $19,524 $10,507 65.9% 74.3%
9 $19,685 $24,606 59.7% 95.6%
10 $20,231 $12,262 54.4% 92.4%
11 $20,800 $39,470 65.9% 75.3%
12 $21,241 $27,000 51.8% 94.1%
13 $21,360 $13,920
14 $21,409 $35,570 57.9% 94.3%
15 $21,664 $28,794 42.2% 84.9%
16 $21,900 $54,960 66.5% 69.7%
17 $23,281 $42,600 60.1% 96.0%
18 $23,331 $41,100 72.1% 73.4%
19 $23,553 $13,544 51.6% 87.8%
20 $24,791 $38,160 59.6% 82.1%
21 $25,210 $68,300 89.4% 14.2%
22 $25,544 $28,185 71.4% 88.1%
23 $25,717 $43,810 66.2% 66.3%
24 $25,747 $34,940 65.6% 93.8%
25 $26,198 $36,842 77.1% 81.1%
26 $26,539 $57,400 74.1% 76.7%
27 $27,663 $56,402 68.9% 76.2%
28 $27,686 $40,640 78.5% 79.4%
29 $28,132 $50,320 72.5% 76.7%
30 $29,219 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%
31 $29,843 $52,000 71.1% 67.0%
32 $30,074 $21,524 84.3% 49.1%
33 $30,086 $64,230 82.7% 56.3%
34 $30,314 $60,240 80.2% 65.5%
35 $30,465 $44,800 71.0% 77.2%
36 $30,485 $59,196 76.6% 82.2%
37 $30,528 $52,309 80.8% 84.4%
38 $31,229 $66,104 96.8% 6.5%
39 $31,671 $63,829 92.5% 11.3%
40 $32,191 $63,475 83.4% 34.9%
41 $32,496 $62,574 88.1% 33.6%
42 $34,978 $47,146 75.5% 87.5%
43 $35,487 $51,340 79.8% 88.7%
44 $38,428 $60,663 77.1% 79.6%
45 $39,061 $68,380 86.0% 36.2%
46 $40,429 $64,772 86.2% 32.6%
47 $40,690 $62,560 85.6% 30.8%
48 $44,876 $64,701 92.4% 23.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Holy Family University's Economics program so affordable compared to other Pennsylvania schools?

Holy Family University offers the lowest net cost at $12,251 for Economics students, significantly below the state average. As a private nonprofit institution with a 77.44% acceptance rate, it provides substantial financial aid that brings costs well below its $33,968 sticker price. The school's Philadelphia location also provides access to internships and career opportunities in the city's financial sector. This combination makes it an attractive option for students seeking quality education without heavy debt loads.

How do public university costs compare to private schools for Economics programs in Pennsylvania?

Public universities like East Stroudsburg charge $15,089 net cost with in-state tuition of just $11,036, while Indiana University of Pennsylvania costs $17,216 net. Private schools show wider variation, from Holy Family's $12,251 to higher-cost options. Public schools generally offer more predictable pricing and accept over 90% of applicants. However, some private institutions provide generous aid packages that can make them competitive with public options.

What earning potential do Economics graduates have from Pennsylvania schools?

Economics graduates from Pennsylvania schools earn between $36,848 and $81,702 annually, showing significant variation by institution. Swarthmore College leads with graduates earning $81,702, reflecting its academic selectivity and strong alumni networks. Mid-range schools like University of Pittsburgh-Bradford and Millersville University produce graduates earning around $43,000-$44,000. These earnings align well with Pennsylvania's strong job market in healthcare, finance, and technology sectors.

Is Swarthmore College worth the higher net cost for Economics students?

Swarthmore College costs $18,686 net but produces graduates earning $81,702 annually, nearly double the earnings at many other schools. With a 94.10% graduation rate and only 6.93% acceptance rate, it offers strong academic outcomes for highly qualified students. The school also keeps student debt relatively low at $19,500 despite its $62,412 sticker price. For students who can gain admission, the long-term financial returns often justify the investment.

Where do Pennsylvania Economics graduates typically find employment after graduation?

Pennsylvania's economy offers Economics graduates positions at major employers like UPMC in healthcare economics, Comcast in market analysis, and pharmaceutical companies in pricing and regulatory affairs. The state's mix of urban centers like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh provides opportunities in banking, consulting, and government roles. Many graduates also pursue careers with regional companies in manufacturing, energy, and technology sectors. The PA State Grant program helps keep education costs manageable, allowing graduates to enter the workforce with less debt.

More Economics Rankings

Best Value Economics in Pennsylvania Economics Under $20,000 in Pennsylvania

Related

All Economics Programs Best Colleges in Pennsylvania Best Economics in Pennsylvania

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