2026 Best Applied Economics Master’s Degree Schools
Applied Economics is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. The schools below stand out for the quality of their applied economics programs.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 50 schools to find the best for applied economics students.
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Best Schools for Applied Economics in the United States
These are the top schools for a master’s degree in applied economics, based on student outcomes and program quality.
Top Schools in Applied Economics
Our analysis ranked University Of Michigan Ann Arbor the best school in the country for a degree in applied economics. This very large public university is located in the city of Ann Arbor. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor graduates 93% of students within six years. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor awarded about 64 applied economics degrees in the most recent data year. Applied Economics graduates of University Of Michigan Ann Arbor earn a median of $68,416 early in their careers. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor graduates carry a median of $19,690 in student loans.
More information about a degree in applied economics from University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
Georgetown University is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in applied economics, ranking #2. Located in the city of Washington, Georgetown University is a very large private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. About 11 applied economics degrees were awarded at Georgetown University in the most recent year. Graduates of the applied economics program make about $79,324 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $16,500.
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Florida State University is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in applied economics, ranking #3. Set in the city of Tallahassee, Florida State University is a very large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. There were roughly 17 applied economics students who graduated with this degree at Florida State University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, applied economics degree recipients from Florida State University generally make around $74,592. Students borrow a median of $17,625 to complete this degree.
More information about a degree in applied economics from Florida State University
University Of Houston came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best applied economics schools. Set in the city of Houston, University Of Houston is a very large public institution. University Of Houston graduates 65% of students within six years. University Of Houston awarded about 17 applied economics degrees in the most recent data year. Applied Economics graduates of University Of Houston earn a median of $50,820 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $19,500.
Read more about the applied economics program at University Of Houston
Suny At Binghamton is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in applied economics, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Vestal, Suny At Binghamton is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 82%. Suny At Binghamton awarded about 95 applied economics degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the applied economics program make about $54,883 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $19,919 to complete this degree.
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Other Applied Economics Degree Levels
Explore the best applied economics schools at other degree levels:
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Notes and References
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 50 schools evaluated.
- 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.
