2026 Best Value Business Economics Schools in the The Plains States Region
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in business economics, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Business Economics Schools
Wichita State University earned the #1 spot for value among business economics schools in the The Plains States Region. Located in the city of Wichita, Wichita State University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,684, while out-of-state students pay about $19,869. Business Economics graduates carry a median of $23,448 in student loans. Soon after graduation, business economics degree recipients from Wichita State University generally make around $49,278. Set against $23,448 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%.
South Dakota State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in business economics, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the town of Brookings, South Dakota State University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $9,299 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. Typical student debt for business economics graduates is $23,573. Early-career business economics graduates make about $45,123. That is a strong return on a $23,573 median debt. South Dakota State University admits about 98% of applicants.
University Of North Dakota came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value business economics schools. Located in the city of Grand Forks, University Of North Dakota is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,951, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. Business Economics graduates carry a median of $25,110 in student loans. Early-career business economics graduates make about $64,378. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Dakota admits about 77% of applicants.
Washington University In St Louis is a great value for students pursuing a degree in business economics, landing the #4 spot this year. Washington University In St Louis is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of St. Louis. In-state tuition and fees average $65,790. Business Economics graduates carry a median of $17,553 in student loans. Business Economics graduates of Washington University In St Louis earn a median of $106,701 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 12%.
Saint Louis University Main Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in business economics, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Saint Louis, Saint Louis University Main Campus is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $55,760. Business Economics graduates carry a median of $24,000 in student loans. Early-career business economics graduates make about $49,314. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saint Louis University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants.
Narrow Business Economics Schools by State
Notes and References
The ranking above is published 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 · 16 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 7 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.
[Business Economics](/majors/business-management-marketing-sales/business-managerial-economics/business-economics/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong business economics education at a price that pays off.
