[Mathematical Economics](/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/mathematical-economics/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 13 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for mathematical economics students.
Finding the Best Value Mathematical Economics School for You
Where you study mathematical economics affects both what you pay and what you earn. That is why we built our Best Value Mathematical Economics Schools ranking. It weighs the cost of a degree against the outcomes graduates go on to achieve, so you can find the strongest return on your investment.
Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we offer several rankings, including this Best Value Mathematical Economics Schools list, to help you choose. Want schools in a particular part of the country? Narrow the list by region or state.
To further help you make the college decision, we have developed a unique tool called College Combat that lets you compare schools on the factors that matter most to you.
Texas A And M University College Station tops our 2026 list of the best value mathematical economics schools in the United States. Located in the city of College Station, Texas A And M University College Station is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Mathematical Economics graduates carry a median of $20,031 in student loans. Mathematical Economics graduates of Texas A And M University College Station earn a median of $64,891 early in their careers. Set against $20,031 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 57%.
Students looking for strong value in mathematical economics will find it at Boston University, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Boston, Boston University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,102. Students borrow a median of $25,232 to complete the mathematical economics program here. Early-career mathematical economics graduates make about $63,598. Set against $25,232 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Boston University admits about 11% of applicants.
Lafayette College came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value mathematical economics schools. Located in the suburb of Easton, Lafayette College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,648. Mathematical Economics graduates carry a median of $16,931 in student loans. Soon after graduation, mathematical economics degree recipients from Lafayette College generally make around $59,513. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 31% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #4 makes Barnard College one of the best values for mathematical economics. Barnard College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of New York. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,888. Typical student debt for mathematical economics graduates is $17,609. Mathematical Economics graduates of Barnard College earn a median of $50,790 early in their careers. Set against $17,609 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted.
This list is compiled 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 · 13 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 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).
[Mathematical Economics](/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/mathematical-economics/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
