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2026 Best Value Economics Schools in Maryland

8 Colleges in the United States
$21,519 Avg Student Debt
$69,412 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Economics Badge [Economics](/majors/social-sciences/economics/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong economics education at a price that pays off.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 17 schools to find the best return on investment for economics students.

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2026 Best Value Economics Schools in Maryland

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in economics, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Economics Schools

1

University Of Maryland College Park tops our 2026 list of the best value economics schools in Maryland. Set in the suburb of College Park, University Of Maryland College Park is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,809, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. Economics graduates carry a median of $20,097 in student loans. Soon after graduation, economics degree recipients from University Of Maryland College Park generally make around $68,907. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted.

2

Frostburg State University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value economics schools. Located in the town of Frostburg, Frostburg State University is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,220, while out-of-state students pay about $25,814. Students borrow a median of $25,340 to complete the economics program here. Soon after graduation, economics degree recipients from Frostburg State University generally make around $42,798. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Frostburg State University admits about 89% of applicants.

3
Towson University crest
Towson University
Towson, MD

A rank of #3 makes Towson University one of the best values for economics. Towson University is a very large public school located in the city of Towson. Students from in state pay about $11,728 in tuition and fees, compared with $29,820 for out-of-state students. Economics graduates carry a median of $18,838 in student loans. Economics graduates of Towson University earn a median of $50,910 early in their careers. Set against $18,838 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.

4

A rank of #4 makes Johns Hopkins University one of the best values for economics. Located in the city of Baltimore, Johns Hopkins University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,730. Economics graduates carry a median of $12,494 in student loans. Early-career economics graduates make about $89,118. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Johns Hopkins University admits about 6% of applicants.

5

University Of Maryland Baltimore County is a great value for students pursuing a degree in economics, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Baltimore, University Of Maryland Baltimore County is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,256, compared with $31,225 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,920 to complete the economics program here. Early-career economics graduates make about $54,859. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%.

6
St Marys College Of Maryland crest
St Marys College Of Maryland
St. Mary's City, MD

St Marys College Of Maryland landed the #6 spot for economics value this year. Set in the rural area of St. Mary's City, St Marys College Of Maryland is a small public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,298, compared with $31,374 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,946 to complete the economics program here. Soon after graduation, economics degree recipients from St Marys College Of Maryland generally make around $51,483. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 69%.

7
Washington College crest
Washington College
Chestertown, MD

Washington College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value economics schools. Set in the town of Chestertown, Washington College is a small private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $55,081. Typical student debt for economics graduates is $27,000. Economics graduates of Washington College earn a median of $50,835 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Washington College admits about 57% of applicants.

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Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 17 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 8 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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