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2022 Best Value Doctor’s Degree Colleges for Economics (Income $0-$30k) in the Great Lakes Region

18 Ranked Colleges
192 Degrees Awarded
$35,300 Avg Grad Tuition & Fees*
Best Value Economics Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k

With all of the options students have for higher education today, it can be tough to choose which direction to take. Our mission at College Factual is to arm you with as much information as we can to help you make that decision. Our “Best Value Economics Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking is one tool we have developed to help in this regard.

In 2019-2020, 48,831 people earned their degree in economics, making the major the 18th most popular in the United States. In 2017-2018, economics graduates who were awarded their degree in 2015-2017, earned an average of $47,295 and had an average of $21,978 in loans still to pay off.

Across the Great Lakes region, there were 6,771 economics graduates with average earnings and debt of $45,903 and $22,924 respectively. At the doctor’s degree level specifically, there were 192 economics graduates with average earnings and debt of $74,428 and $121,375 respectively.

This year’s “Best Value Economics Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking analyzed 18 colleges that offered a degree in economics. Not only do the schools that top this list have excellent economics programs, but they also cost less that schools of similar quality.

Some of the factors we look at when determining these rankings are overall quality of the economics program at the school and the cost of the school after aid is awarded among other things. See our ranking methodology to learn more.

One Size Does Not Fit All

Since picking the right college can be one of the most important decisions of your life, we’ve developed the “Best Value Economics Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking, along with many other major-related rankings, to help you make that decision.

One of our other unique offerings is College Combat. This tool lets you build your own customized comparisons utilizing the factors that are most important to you. When you have some time, check it out - you may want to bookmark the link so you don’t forget it.

Best Value Economics Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k

The colleges and universities below are the best for great lakes region doctor’s degree economics students whose families make $0-$30k.

Top 18 Best Value Doctor’s Degree Colleges for Economics (Income $0-$30k) in the Great Lakes Region

#1

Northwestern University

Evanston, Illinois
#1 in overall quality

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Northwestern University. It ranked #1 on our 2022 Best Value Economics Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Northwestern University is located in Evanston, Illinois and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 20 doctorate’s economics degrees to qualified students.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Northwestern, the school also landed the #1 spot in our “Best Economics Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Northwestern are $56,567, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full Northwestern University Economics Report

#2

University of Chicago

Chicago, Illinois
#2 in overall quality

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of Chicago. It ranked #2 on our 2022 Best Value Economics Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. University of Chicago is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in Chicago, Illinois. It awarded 37 doctorate’s economics degrees in 2019-2020.

UChicago also took the #2 spot in our “Best Economics Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at University of Chicago are $61,548.

Read more about Economics at UChicago

#3 in overall quality

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of Michigan - Ann Arbor. The school came in at #3 for the Best Value Economics Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k. U-M is a large school located in Ann Arbor, Michigan that handed out 20 doctorate’s economics degrees in 2019-2020.

U-M also took the #3 spot in our “Best Economics Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Michigan - Ann Arbor are $49,548, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Economics at U-M

#5 in overall quality

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of Wisconsin - Madison. The school came in at #4 for the Best Value Economics Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k. UW - Madison is a large school located in Madison, Wisconsin that handed out 28 doctorate’s economics degrees in 2019-2020.

UW - Madison did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #5 on our “Best Economics Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Wisconsin - Madison are $25,523, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Economics at University of Wisconsin - Madison

#6 in overall quality

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The school came in at #5 for the Best Value Economics Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k. UIUC is a large school located in Champaign, Illinois that handed out 15 doctorate’s economics degrees in 2019-2020.

UIUC did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #6 on our “Best Economics Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at UIUC are $30,083, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Economics Report

#6

University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, Indiana
#4 in overall quality

With a ranking of #6, University of Notre Dame did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Economics Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Notre Dame is a fairly large school located in Notre Dame, Indiana that handed out 4 doctorate’s economics degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our great lakes region doctor’s degree economics students whose families make $0-$30k list, Notre Dame has also earned the #4 rank in our “Best Economics Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Notre Dame are $57,522, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full Notre Dame Economics Report

#7

Indiana University - Bloomington

Bloomington, Indiana
#10 in overall quality

Indiana University - Bloomington landed the #7 spot on the 2022 Best Value Economics Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. IU Bloomington is a public institution located in Bloomington, Indiana. The school has a large population, and it awarded 9 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

IU Bloomington also took the #10 spot in our “Best Economics Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at IU Bloomington are $33,338, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Economics at Indiana University - Bloomington

#8

Purdue University - Main Campus

West Lafayette, Indiana
#7 in overall quality

Purdue University - Main Campus landed the #8 spot on the 2022 Best Value Economics Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. This large school is located in West Lafayette, Indiana, and it awarded 7 doctorate’s economics degrees in 2019-2020.

Purdue did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #7 on our “Best Economics Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Purdue University - Main Campus are $28,794.

Full Purdue University - Main Campus Economics Report

#9

Michigan State University

East Lansing, Michigan
#8 in overall quality

Michigan State University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Economics Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #9. Located in East Lansing, Michigan, this large public school awarded 7 diplomas to qualified doctorate’s economics students in 2019-2020.

Michigan State also made our “Best Economics Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list, coming in at #8. Average graduate tuition and fees at Michigan State University are $37,056, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full Michigan State University Economics Report

#9 in overall quality

Ohio State University - Main Campus landed the #10 spot on the 2022 Best Value Economics Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. This large school is located in Columbus, Ohio, and it awarded 8 doctorate’s economics degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Ohio State, the school also landed the #9 spot in our “Best Economics Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Ohio State University - Main Campus are $37,141.

Read full report on Economics at Ohio State

#17 in overall quality

Indiana University - Purdue University - Indianapolis ranked #11 on this year’s Best Value Economics Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Indianapolis, Indiana is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out doctorate’s economics degrees to 1 students in 2019-2020.

IUPUI also made our “Best Economics Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list, coming in at #17. Average graduate tuition and fees at IUPUI are $26,013, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full IUPUI Economics Report

#11 in overall quality

With a ranking of #12, University of Illinois at Chicago did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Economics Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. This large school is located in Chicago, Illinois, and it awarded 15 doctorate’s economics degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UIC, the school also landed the #11 spot in our “Best Economics Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Illinois at Chicago are $27,036, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full UIC Economics Report

#13

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, Illinois
#18 in overall quality

With a ranking of #13, Northern Illinois University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Economics Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Northern Illinois University is located in Dekalb, Illinois and, has a fairly large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 2 doctorate’s economics degrees to qualified students.

NIU not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #18 on our “Best Economics Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Northern Illinois University are $11,086, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Economics at NIU

#14

University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
#12 in overall quality

University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee ranked #14 on this year’s Best Value Economics Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. UWM is a large public school situated in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It awarded 4 doctorate’s economics degrees in 2019-2020.

UWM also took the #12 spot in our “Best Economics Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at UWM are $25,295.

Full University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee Economics Report

#14 in overall quality

With a ranking of #15, Southern Illinois University Carbondale did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Economics Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. SIUC is a fairly large public school situated in Carbondale, Illinois. It awarded 6 doctorate’s economics degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at SIUC, the school also landed the #14 spot in our “Best Economics Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at SIUC are $32,928.

Full Southern Illinois University Carbondale Economics Report

#16

Wayne State University

Detroit, Michigan
#16 in overall quality

Wayne State University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Economics Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #16. Wayne State is a large public school situated in Detroit, Michigan. It awarded 7 doctorate’s economics degrees in 2019-2020.

Wayne State also made our “Best Economics Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list, coming in at #16. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Wayne State University are $37,215.

Read full report on Economics at Wayne State University

#17

Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, Michigan
#13 in overall quality

Western Michigan University landed the #17 spot on the 2022 Best Value Economics Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. WMU is a fairly large school located in Kalamazoo, Michigan that handed out 1 doctorate’s economics degrees in 2019-2020.

WMU also took the #13 spot in our “Best Economics Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Western Michigan University are $31,355.

Read more about Economics at WMU

#15 in overall quality

University of Cincinnati - Main Campus ranked #18 on this year’s Best Value Economics Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. UC is a large school located in Cincinnati, Ohio that handed out 1 doctorate’s economics degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our great lakes region doctor’s degree economics students whose families make $0-$30k list, UC has also earned the #15 rank in our “Best Economics Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at UC are $26,644.

Full University of Cincinnati - Main Campus Economics Report

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Notes and References

References

  • 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).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

Read more about our data sources and methodologies

Footnotes

  • *Average salary, average net price, and average tuition and fees are for the top schools only.
  • Some schools otherwise deserving of recognition may have been removed from this ranking in the event that new data identified post-publication warranted it, or at the request of the school.

Credits

  • Credit for the banner image above goes to pixabay.

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