Cheapest Economics Colleges in Texas

Rice University transforms economics education at just $12,640 net cost while delivering $72,884 median earnings, creating an extraordinary 476% return that outpaces most Texas programs by substantial margins. This outlier performance highlights how strategic school selection can maximize value in a state where economics programs range from $6,500 at UT Rio Grande Valley to $23,636 at higher-cost institutions. Texas offers economics graduates strong employment prospects through its massive energy sector and Houston's position as America's fourth-largest city, home to 26 Fortune 500 companies including ExxonMobil, Phillips 66, and Enterprise Products Partners. Public universities dominate the affordable market, with 12 of the 15 lowest-cost programs offered by state institutions that benefit from Texas legislative funding initiatives. The earnings gap between top and bottom performers spans $43,743, demonstrating how program quality and alumni networks significantly impact career trajectories in fields ranging from energy economics to financial analysis across Dallas, Houston, and Austin metro areas.

Programs

$6,500 – $41,778

Net Price Range

$47,607

Avg. Program Earnings

64.7%

Avg. Graduation Rate

26 Economics Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Edinburg, Texas	$6,500	$9,859	49.3%	87.7%
2	Rice University Houston, Texas	$12,640	$58,128	95.7%	8.7%
3	University of Houston Houston, Texas	$13,853	$9,711	64.9%	66.2%
4	University of North Texas Denton, Texas	$14,352	$11,164	59.6%	79.1%
5	Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi Corpus Christi, Texas	$15,137	$9,748	33.7%	88.0%
6	Stephen F Austin State University Nacogdoches, Texas	$15,152	$10,600	51.7%	89.5%
7	The University of Texas at Arlington Arlington, Texas	$15,235	$11,728	56.5%	80.8%
8	Texas State University San Marcos, Texas	$16,438	$11,450	56.2%	87.7%
9	The University of Texas at Dallas Richardson, Texas	$17,435	$14,564	70.8%	84.7%
10	Strayer University-Texas Farmers Branch, Texas	$17,517	$13,920	50.0%
11	University of St Thomas Houston, Texas	$18,762	$33,660	68.6%	96.7%
12	The University of Texas at Austin Austin, Texas	$19,678	$11,678	87.6%	31.4%
13	Texas Tech University Lubbock, Texas	$20,071	$11,852	67.5%	67.3%
14	Tarleton State University Stephenville, Texas	$20,261	$7,878	51.2%	87.1%
15	Texas A & M University-College Station College Station, Texas	$20,924	$13,099	83.8%	62.7%
16	Hardin-Simmons University Abilene, Texas	$21,031	$31,686	49.6%	88.3%
17	St. Mary's University San Antonio, Texas	$21,352	$36,242	58.8%	86.2%
18	Texas Lutheran University Seguin, Texas	$22,587	$34,920	55.2%	91.8%
19	Austin College Sherman, Texas	$23,451	$46,500	69.5%	54.4%
20	Saint Edward's University Austin, Texas	$23,636	$51,384	64.2%	85.1%
21	Trinity University San Antonio, Texas	$23,650	$51,352	81.9%	30.5%
22	University of Dallas Irving, Texas	$25,470	$50,880	68.0%	58.7%
23	Lubbock Christian University Lubbock, Texas	$25,910	$27,298	48.7%	81.6%
24	Southwestern University Georgetown, Texas	$27,468	$51,058	69.3%	44.8%
25	Texas Christian University Fort Worth, Texas	$33,531	$57,220	85.6%	56.1%
26	Southern Methodist University Dallas, Texas	$41,778	$64,460	83.3%	52.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Rice University's economics program such an strong value compared to other Texas schools?

Rice charges just $12,640 net cost while graduates earn $72,884 median salary, creating the highest return on investment among Texas economics programs. The school maintains a 95.7% graduation rate and selective 8.68% acceptance rate, indicating rigorous academics that translate to strong career outcomes. Students graduate with only $11,644 in debt, far below the state average, making Rice surprisingly affordable despite its private status.

How do public university economics programs in Texas compare for affordability?

Texas public universities offer economics programs ranging from $6,500 net cost at UT Rio Grande Valley to $20,924 at Texas A&M College Station. Most public programs cost between $13,000-$20,000 annually, with in-state tuition rates keeping education accessible. UT Austin provides strong value at $19,678 net cost with $54,238 graduate earnings, while University of Houston offers solid returns at $13,853 with graduates earning $40,768.

Does graduate debt vary significantly among affordable Texas economics programs?

Graduate debt spans from $11,644 at Rice University to $27,000 at Texas Tech, showing substantial variation even among similarly priced programs. Most students graduate with debt between $16,000-$21,000, which remains manageable given economics career earning potential. Texas A&M College Station students carry just $17,120 in debt while earning $49,814 median salary, creating favorable debt-to-income ratios for graduates.

Where do economics graduates find the best job opportunities in Texas?

Houston's energy sector and financial services create strong demand for economics graduates, with companies like ExxonMobil and Enterprise Products Partners offering analytical roles. Dallas-Fort Worth provides opportunities in corporate finance and consulting, while Austin's tech growth generates positions in market research and business development. The state's 26 Fortune 500 companies across multiple metros ensure varied career paths for economics degree holders.

Is there a significant graduation rate difference among affordable Texas economics programs?

Graduation rates range dramatically from 33.7% at Texas A&M Corpus Christi to 95.7% at Rice University, indicating major quality differences among programs. UT Austin maintains an 87.6% graduation rate while Texas A&M College Station achieves 83.8%, showing that higher-cost programs often deliver better completion outcomes. Students should weigh graduation rates against affordability since completing the degree directly impacts career earning potential and return on educational investment.

More Economics Rankings

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

All Economics Programs Best Colleges in Texas Best Economics in Texas

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