2026 Best Value Economics Schools in Minnesota

1

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN

Our analysis ranked University Of Minnesota Twin Cities the best value for a degree in economics in Minnesota. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a very large public school located in the city of Minneapolis. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete the economics program here. Early-career economics graduates make about $56,902. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities admits about 80% of applicants.

2

Saint Cloud State University
Saint Cloud, MN

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Saint Cloud State University earned it the #2 place for economics. Set in the city of Saint Cloud, Saint Cloud State University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,245. Economics graduates carry a median of $25,076 in student loans. Soon after graduation, economics degree recipients from Saint Cloud State University generally make around $51,625. That is a strong return on a $25,076 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of Minnesota Duluth
Duluth, MN

University Of Minnesota Duluth came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value economics schools. Set in the city of Duluth, University Of Minnesota Duluth is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,608 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,134 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,250 to complete the economics program here. Economics graduates of University Of Minnesota Duluth earn a median of $50,873 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Minnesota Duluth admits about 89% of applicants.

4

Minnesota State University Mankato
Mankato, MN

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Minnesota State University Mankato earned it the #4 place for economics. Set in the city of Mankato, Minnesota State University Mankato is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Typical student debt for economics graduates is $21,474. Soon after graduation, economics degree recipients from Minnesota State University Mankato generally make around $53,088. Set against $21,474 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.

5

St Olaf College
Northfield, MN

A rank of #5 makes St Olaf College one of the best values for economics. St Olaf College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Northfield. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $59,760. Economics graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Economics graduates of St Olaf College earn a median of $56,238 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 48% of applicants are accepted.

6

Gustavus Adolphus College
Saint Peter, MN

Gustavus Adolphus College earned the #6 position for value in economics this year. Set in the town of Saint Peter, Gustavus Adolphus College is a small private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $56,076. Students borrow a median of $24,474 to complete the economics program here. Economics graduates of Gustavus Adolphus College earn a median of $52,439 early in their careers. Set against $24,474 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 61%.

7

Saint Johns University
Collegeville, MN

Saint Johns University landed the #7 spot for economics value this year. Located in the rural area of Collegeville, Saint Johns University is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $55,816. Typical student debt for economics graduates is $27,000. Economics graduates of Saint Johns University earn a median of $54,752 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%.

8

Carleton College
Northfield, MN

Carleton College came in at #8 for value in economics this year. Located in the town of Northfield, Carleton College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,892. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete the economics program here. Early-career economics graduates make about $66,567. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 20%.

9

Macalester College
Saint Paul, MN

Macalester College came in at #9 for value in economics this year. Macalester College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Saint Paul. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,104. Economics graduates carry a median of $24,000 in student loans. Early-career economics graduates make about $59,752. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 28%.

10

University Of St Thomas Minnesota
Saint Paul, MN

University Of St Thomas Minnesota placed #10 among the best values for economics. Set in the city of Saint Paul, University Of St Thomas Minnesota is a large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $54,398. Typical student debt for economics graduates is $24,600. Early-career economics graduates make about $60,323. That is a strong return on a $24,600 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%.