by our College Data Analytics Team
[General Economics](/majors/social-sciences/economics/economics-general/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 9 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for general economics students.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the general economics degrees they offer, see the list below.
For return on investment in general economics, no school beat Eastern Washington University this year. Eastern Washington University is a large public school located in the town of Cheney. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,586, while out-of-state students pay about $26,583. Typical student debt for general economics graduates is $21,809. Early-career general economics graduates make about $37,368. That is a strong return on a $21,809 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%.
A rank of #2 makes Central Washington University one of the best values for general economics. Central Washington University is a very large public school located in the town of Ellensburg. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,417, while out-of-state students pay about $27,526. General Economics graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. General Economics graduates of Central Washington University earn a median of $52,129 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in general economics will find it at Western Washington University, which ranked #3. Located in the city of Bellingham, Western Washington University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,582, compared with $28,707 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,000 to complete the general economics program here. Soon after graduation, general economics degree recipients from Western Washington University generally make around $45,401. That is a strong return on a $19,000 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in general economics will find it at Seattle Pacific University, which ranked #4. Set in the city of Seattle, Seattle Pacific University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,407. General Economics graduates carry a median of $26,835 in student loans. Early-career general economics graduates make about $41,502. Set against $26,835 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Seattle Pacific University admits about 83% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Whitworth University earned it the #5 place for general economics. Set in the suburb of Spokane, Whitworth University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $52,880 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for general economics graduates is $26,051. Soon after graduation, general economics degree recipients from Whitworth University generally make around $63,134. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%.
Whitman College earned the #6 position for value in general economics this year. Set in the city of Walla Walla, Whitman College is a small private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,050. General Economics graduates carry a median of $17,500 in student loans. General Economics graduates of Whitman College earn a median of $32,345 early in their careers. Set against $17,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Whitman College admits about 38% of applicants.
University Of Puget Sound came in at #7 for value in general economics this year. University Of Puget Sound is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Tacoma. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,898. Students borrow a median of $26,031 to complete the general economics program here. General Economics graduates of University Of Puget Sound earn a median of $48,153 early in their careers. Set against $26,031 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Puget Sound admits about 72% of applicants.
This list is compiled 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 · 9 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 7 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.