2026 Best Value Economics Schools in Tennessee

1

Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, TN

Middle Tennessee State University tops our 2026 list of the best value economics schools in Tennessee. Middle Tennessee State University is a very large public school located in the city of Murfreesboro. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,266, while out-of-state students pay about $31,574. Typical student debt for economics graduates is $22,754. Early-career economics graduates make about $43,575. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Middle Tennessee State University admits about 69% of applicants.

2

The University Of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN

Students looking for strong value in economics will find it at The University Of Tennessee, which ranked #2. Located in the city of Knoxville, The University Of Tennessee is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $13,812, with out-of-state students paying around $33,256. Typical student debt for economics graduates is $21,650. Soon after graduation, economics degree recipients from The University Of Tennessee generally make around $46,302. Set against $21,650 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Tennessee admits about 42% of applicants.

3

Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN

Vanderbilt University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value economics schools. Located in the city of Nashville, Vanderbilt University is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $67,498. Economics graduates carry a median of $12,424 in student loans. Economics graduates of Vanderbilt University earn a median of $84,311 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $12,424 median debt. The acceptance rate is 6%.

4

Rhodes College
Memphis, TN

Rhodes College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in economics, landing the #4 spot this year. Rhodes College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Memphis. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $57,110. Typical student debt for economics graduates is $19,500. Economics graduates of Rhodes College earn a median of $57,814 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 50%.

5

Sewanee The University Of The South
Sewanee, TN

Sewanee The University Of The South came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value economics schools. Located in the rural area of Sewanee, Sewanee The University Of The South is a small private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $56,120 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $24,798 to complete the economics program here. Economics graduates of Sewanee The University Of The South earn a median of $58,532 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,798 median debt. Sewanee The University Of The South admits about 57% of applicants.