2026 Best Value Economics Schools in Kentucky
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the economics degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Economics Schools
Our analysis ranked Northern Kentucky University the best value for a degree in economics in Kentucky. Located in the suburb of Highland Heights, Northern Kentucky University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $11,088 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,912 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for economics graduates is $25,572. Soon after graduation, economics degree recipients from Northern Kentucky University generally make around $52,565. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 68%.
A rank of #2 makes Western Kentucky University one of the best values for economics. Set in the city of Bowling Green, Western Kentucky University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,652, compared with $27,000 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete the economics program here. Economics graduates of Western Kentucky University earn a median of $53,857 early in their careers. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%.
Students looking for strong value in economics will find it at University Of Kentucky, which ranked #3. Set in the city of Lexington, University Of Kentucky is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,502 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $34,140. Students borrow a median of $26,942 to complete the economics program here. Economics graduates of University Of Kentucky earn a median of $41,713 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in economics will find it at University Of Louisville, which ranked #4. Located in the city of Louisville, University Of Louisville is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $13,136, compared with $29,482 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,910 to complete the economics program here. Early-career economics graduates make about $58,534. That is a strong return on a $21,910 median debt. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted.
Centre College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in economics, landing the #5 spot this year. Centre College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Danville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,820. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the economics program here. Economics graduates of Centre College earn a median of $51,077 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Centre College admits about 54% of applicants.
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 · 12 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
[Economics](/majors/social-sciences/economics/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
