by our College Data Analytics Team
[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.
College Factual analyzed 19 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value economics schools.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the economics degrees they offer, see the list below.
Leading the list is Princeton University, our #1 best value for economics in New Jersey. Set in the city of Princeton, Princeton University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $62,688. Typical student debt for economics graduates is $11,250. Economics graduates of Princeton University earn a median of $103,041 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $11,250 median debt. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #2 makes Saint Peters College one of the best values for economics. Located in the city of Jersey City, Saint Peters College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,552. Students borrow a median of $22,969 to complete the economics program here. Soon after graduation, economics degree recipients from Saint Peters College generally make around $50,944. Set against $22,969 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Montclair State University earned it the #3 place for economics. Set in the suburb of Montclair, Montclair State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,912, while out-of-state students pay about $26,022. Economics graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Economics graduates of Montclair State University earn a median of $39,375 early in their careers. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at William Paterson University Of New Jersey earned it the #4 place for economics. Set in the suburb of Wayne, William Paterson University Of New Jersey is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,704, with out-of-state students paying around $25,344. Typical student debt for economics graduates is $28,281. Soon after graduation, economics degree recipients from William Paterson University Of New Jersey generally make around $43,148. That is a strong return on a $28,281 median debt. William Paterson University Of New Jersey admits about 90% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in economics will find it at Rutgers University Camden, which ranked #5. Set in the city of Camden, Rutgers University Camden is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,764, while out-of-state students pay about $37,276. Typical student debt for economics graduates is $24,965. Soon after graduation, economics degree recipients from Rutgers University Camden generally make around $51,848. Set against $24,965 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 66%.
Rutgers University Newark placed #6 among the best values for economics. Rutgers University Newark is a large public school located in the city of Newark. In-state tuition and fees average $17,250, while out-of-state students pay about $36,762. Typical student debt for economics graduates is $24,965. Economics graduates of Rutgers University Newark earn a median of $51,848 early in their careers. Set against $24,965 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted.
Rowan University landed the #7 spot for economics value this year. Set in the suburb of Glassboro, Rowan University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,574, compared with $26,932 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,750 to complete the economics program here. Early-career economics graduates make about $38,580. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%.
Rutgers University New Brunswick landed the #8 spot for economics value this year. Located in the city of New Brunswick, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,929, compared with $37,441 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for economics graduates is $24,965. Early-career economics graduates make about $51,848. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted.
The College Of New Jersey came in at #9 for value in economics this year. Located in the suburb of Ewing, The College Of New Jersey is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,632, with out-of-state students paying around $25,752. Students borrow a median of $23,500 to complete the economics program here. Soon after graduation, economics degree recipients from The College Of New Jersey generally make around $62,218. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 62%.
Drew University landed the #10 spot for economics value this year. Drew University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Madison. In-state tuition and fees average $47,100. Typical student debt for economics graduates is $26,914. Economics graduates of Drew University earn a median of $33,639 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,914 median debt. Drew University admits about 68% of applicants.
Seton Hall University earned the #11 position for value in economics this year. Set in the suburb of South Orange, Seton Hall University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $53,170 in tuition and fees. Economics graduates carry a median of $21,413 in student loans. Soon after graduation, economics degree recipients from Seton Hall University generally make around $51,464. Set against $21,413 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 19 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 10 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
