by our College Data Analytics Team
[General Economics](/majors/social-sciences/economics/economics-general/) 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 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 8 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for general economics students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the general economics degrees they offer, see the list below.
Leading the list is University Of Georgia, our #1 best value for general economics in Georgia. University Of Georgia is a very large public school located in the city of Athens. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general economics graduates is $16,924. Early-career general economics graduates make about $49,725. Set against $16,924 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 38%.
Students looking for strong value in general economics will find it at University Of West Georgia, which ranked #2. Set in the town of Carrollton, University Of West Georgia is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,088, while out-of-state students pay about $17,800. Typical student debt for general economics graduates is $25,250. Early-career general economics graduates make about $39,899. That is a strong return on a $25,250 median debt. Roughly 52% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #3 makes Georgia State University one of the best values for general economics. Set in the city of Atlanta, Georgia State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,664, with out-of-state students paying around $24,840. Students borrow a median of $28,500 to complete the general economics program here. Early-career general economics graduates make about $49,058. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 55%.
A rank of #4 makes Oglethorpe University one of the best values for general economics. Located in the suburb of Atlanta, Oglethorpe University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $47,590. Students borrow a median of $26,800 to complete the general economics program here. General Economics graduates of Oglethorpe University earn a median of $34,113 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%.
Emory University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general economics, landing the #5 spot this year. Emory University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Atlanta. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,280. Typical student debt for general economics graduates is $21,000. General Economics graduates of Emory University earn a median of $67,840 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,000 median debt. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted.
Covenant College landed the #6 spot for general economics value this year. Located in the suburb of Lookout Mountain, Covenant College is a small private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $42,040. Typical student debt for general economics graduates is $23,700. Early-career general economics graduates make about $37,404. Set against $23,700 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
Spelman College earned the #7 position for value in general economics this year. Located in the city of Atlanta, Spelman College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $31,556 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the general economics program here. General Economics graduates of Spelman College earn a median of $40,217 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 25%.
Morehouse College earned the #8 position for value in general economics this year. Located in the city of Atlanta, Morehouse College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $32,893. Typical student debt for general economics graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, general economics degree recipients from Morehouse College generally make around $40,726. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Morehouse College admits about 44% of applicants.
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 8 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 8 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.