2027 Best Value Applied Economics Schools in the Southwest Region

1

New Mexico State University Main Campus
Las Cruces, NM

For return on investment in applied economics, no school beat New Mexico State University Main Campus this year. Located in the suburb of Las Cruces, New Mexico State University Main Campus is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,183, compared with $25,307 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,026 to complete the applied economics program here. Applied Economics graduates of New Mexico State University Main Campus earn a median of $41,860 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $19,026 median debt. New Mexico State University Main Campus admits about 89% of applicants.

2

University Of Houston
Houston, TX

Students looking for strong value in applied economics will find it at University Of Houston, which ranked #2. Located in the city of Houston, University Of Houston is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,717, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. Typical student debt for applied economics graduates is $19,500. Early-career applied economics graduates make about $50,820. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Houston admits about 74% of applicants.

3

University Of Arizona
Tucson, AZ

A rank of #3 makes University Of Arizona one of the best values for applied economics. Located in the city of Tucson, University Of Arizona is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,573, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. Applied Economics graduates carry a median of $19,610 in student loans. Soon after graduation, applied economics degree recipients from University Of Arizona generally make around $47,908. Set against $19,610 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

4

University Of Central Oklahoma
Edmond, OK

University Of Central Oklahoma is a great value for students pursuing a degree in applied economics, landing the #4 spot this year. University Of Central Oklahoma is a large public school located in the suburb of Edmond. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,818, with out-of-state students paying around $19,704. Students borrow a median of $23,321 to complete the applied economics program here. Soon after graduation, applied economics degree recipients from University Of Central Oklahoma generally make around $44,085. That is a strong return on a $23,321 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%.

5

Southern Methodist University
Dallas, TX

Southern Methodist University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in applied economics, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Dallas, Southern Methodist University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $67,040 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for applied economics graduates is $19,500. Early-career applied economics graduates make about $71,630. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted.