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2022 Best Value Colleges for Economics (Income $0-$30k) in Minnesota

21 Ranked Colleges
891 Degrees Awarded
$13,400 Avg Net Price*
Best Value Economics Schools in Minnesota For Those Making $0-$30k

It’s not easy to decide which college to attend when there so many options available for students. One of our goals at College Factual is to give you as much information as we can - such as our “Best Value Economics Schools in Minnesota For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking - to help you make that decision.

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 Minnesota, there were 891 economics graduates with average earnings and debt of $48,580 and $22,420 respectively.

For this year’s “Best Value Economics Schools in Minnesota For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking, we looked at 21 colleges that offer 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.

To come up with these rankings, we looked at factors such as the cost to attend the school after aid is awarded and overall quality of the economics program at the school. See our ranking methodology to learn more.

One Size Does Not Fit All

When choosing the right school for you, it’s important to arm yourself with all the facts you can. To that end, we’ve created a number of major-specific rankings, including this “Best Value Economics Schools in Minnesota For Those Making $0-$30k” list to help you make the college decision.

You can create your own custom comparison that focuses on the factors most important to you using our tool, College Combat. Go ahead and give it a try, or bookmark the link so you can check it out later.

Best Value Economics Schools in Minnesota For Those Making $0-$30k

The following schools top our list of the Best Best Value Economics Schools in Minnesota For Those Making $0-$30k.

Top 21 Best Value Colleges for Economics (Income $0-$30k) in Minnesota

#1

Carleton College

Northfield, Minnesota

Out of the 21 schools in the Best Value Economics Schools in Minnesota For Those Making $0-$30k that were part of this year’s ranking, Carleton College landed the #1 spot on the list. Carleton College is a private not-for-profit institution located in Northfield, Minnesota. The school has a small population, and it awarded 45 ’s degrees in 2019-2020.

Carleton also made our “Best Economics Schools in Minnesota” list, coming in at #1. The estimated yearly cost for Carleton is $9,579 for minnesota economics students whose families make $0-$30k.

With a freshman retention rate of 94%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its students. The low student loan default rate of 1.3% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. The student-to-faculty ratio of 8 to 1 is a sign that students will have more opportunities to engage with their professors one-on-one.

Read more about Economics at Carleton

#2

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Minneapolis, Minnesota

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. The school came in at #2 for the Best Value Economics Schools in Minnesota For Those Making $0-$30k. Minneapolis, Minnesota is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s economics degrees to 413 students in 2019-2020.

UMN Twin Cities also made our “Best Economics Schools in Minnesota” list, coming in at #3. The estimated yearly cost for UMN Twin Cities is $7,266 for Minnesota Economics students whose families make $0-$30k.

The student loan default rate at the school is 2.2%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 93%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its students.

Read full report on Economics at University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of Minnesota - Morris. It ranked #3 on our 2022 Best Value Economics Schools in Minnesota For Those Making $0-$30k list. This small school is located in Morris, Minnesota, and it awarded 15 ’s economics degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UMN Morris, the school also landed the #11 spot in our “Best Economics Schools in Minnesota” ranking. The yearly cost to attend UMN Morris is $4,230 for minnesota economics students whose families make $0-$30k.

The low student loan default rate of 2.9% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read more about Economics at UMN Morris

#4

St Olaf College

Northfield, Minnesota

Out of the 21 schools in the Best Value Economics Schools in Minnesota For Those Making $0-$30k that were part of this year’s ranking, St Olaf College landed the #4 spot on the list. St Olaf College is a private not-for-profit institution located in Northfield, Minnesota. The school has a small population, and it awarded 107 ’s degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our minnesota economics students whose families make $0-$30k list, St. Olaf has also earned the #2 rank in our “Best Economics Schools in Minnesota” ranking. It costs about $12,459 for Minnesota Economics students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend St Olaf College.

With a freshman retention rate of 91%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its students. The low student loan default rate of 1.0% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Full St. Olaf Economics Report

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of Minnesota - Duluth. The school came in at #5 for the Best Value Economics Schools in Minnesota For Those Making $0-$30k. University of Minnesota - Duluth is a public institution located in Duluth, Minnesota. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 27 ’s degrees in 2019-2020.

UMN Duluth did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #9 on our “Best Economics Schools in Minnesota” list. It costs about $7,443 for minnesota economics students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend UMN Duluth.

The student loan default rate at the school is 3.1%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Economics at University of Minnesota - Duluth

#6

Macalester College

Saint Paul, Minnesota

Macalester College ranked #6 on this year’s Best Value Economics Schools in Minnesota For Those Making $0-$30k list. Macalester College is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Saint Paul, Minnesota. It awarded 55 ’s economics degrees in 2019-2020.

Macalester not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #4 on our “Best Economics Schools in Minnesota” list. It costs about $10,158 for Minnesota Economics students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Macalester.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 90%. The school has an impressive student loan default rate. It’s only 0.9%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 10 to 1, it’s easy to see that the school is committed to helping their undergraduates succeed.

Full Macalester College Economics Report

#7

Bemidji State University

Bemidji, Minnesota

Bemidji State University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Economics Schools in Minnesota For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #7. Bemidji, Minnesota is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s economics degrees to 2 students in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Bemidji State University, the school also landed the #14 spot in our “Best Economics Schools in Minnesota” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for Bemidji State University is $10,632 for Minnesota Economics students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read more about Economics at Bemidji State University

Minnesota State University - Mankato did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Economics Schools in Minnesota For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #8. Minnesota State Mankato is a fairly large public school situated in Mankato, Minnesota. It awarded 25 ’s economics degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Minnesota State Mankato, the school also landed the #10 spot in our “Best Economics Schools in Minnesota” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Minnesota State Mankato is $11,057 for Minnesota Economics students whose families make $0-$30k.

The low student loan default rate of 4.4% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read full report on Economics at Minnesota State Mankato

#9

Saint Johns University

Collegeville, Minnesota

With a ranking of #9, Saint Johns University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Economics Schools in Minnesota For Those Making $0-$30k list. Saint Johns University is located in Collegeville, Minnesota and, has a small student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 33 ’s economics degrees to qualified students.

SJU also took the #6 spot in our “Best Economics Schools in Minnesota” ranking. It costs about $14,683 for Minnesota Economics students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Saint Johns University.

The school has an impressive student loan default rate. It’s only 1.2%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Full Saint Johns University Economics Report

#10

Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud, Minnesota

Saint Cloud State University came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Economics Schools in Minnesota For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. St. Cloud State University is a fairly large public school situated in Saint Cloud, Minnesota. It awarded 11 ’s economics degrees in 2019-2020.

St. Cloud State University also took the #19 spot in our “Best Economics Schools in Minnesota” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for St. Cloud State University is $10,688 for Minnesota Economics students whose families make $0-$30k.

Full Saint Cloud State University Economics Report

#11

Gustavus Adolphus College

Saint Peter, Minnesota

Gustavus Adolphus College came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Economics Schools in Minnesota For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Gustavus Adolphus is a private not-for-profit institution located in Saint Peter, Minnesota. The school has a small population, and it awarded 24 ’s degrees in 2019-2020.

Gustavus Adolphus did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #7 on our “Best Economics Schools in Minnesota” list. It costs about $12,150 for Minnesota Economics students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Gustavus Adolphus.

The school has an impressive student loan default rate. It’s only 1.5%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 88%.

Read full report on Economics at Gustavus Adolphus College

#12

Winona State University

Winona, Minnesota

Winona State University landed the #12 spot on the 2022 Best Value Economics Schools in Minnesota For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Winona, Minnesota is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s economics degrees to 5 students in 2019-2020.

Winona State not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #18 on our “Best Economics Schools in Minnesota” list. The yearly cost to attend Winona State University is $12,381 for Minnesota Economics students whose families make $0-$30k.

The school has an impressive student loan default rate. It’s only 3.4%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Economics at Winona State

With a ranking of #13, Minnesota State University - Moorhead did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Economics Schools in Minnesota For Those Making $0-$30k list. MSU Moorhead is located in Moorhead, Minnesota and, has a medium-sized student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 7 ’s economics degrees to qualified students.

MSU Moorhead did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #16 on our “Best Economics Schools in Minnesota” list. The estimated yearly cost for MSU Moorhead is $12,484 for minnesota economics students whose families make $0-$30k.

The school has an impressive student loan default rate. It’s only 4.5%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Full Minnesota State University - Moorhead Economics Report

#14

College of Saint Benedict

Saint Joseph, Minnesota

College of Saint Benedict ranked #14 on this year’s Best Value Economics Schools in Minnesota For Those Making $0-$30k list. Saint Joseph, Minnesota is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out ’s economics degrees to 10 students in 2019-2020.

CSB also took the #5 spot in our “Best Economics Schools in Minnesota” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for College of Saint Benedict is $17,143 for minnesota economics students whose families make $0-$30k.

With a freshman retention rate of 89%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its students. The student loan default rate at the school is 0.9%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Economics at College of Saint Benedict

#15

St Catherine University

Saint Paul, Minnesota

St Catherine University ranked #15 on this year’s Best Value Economics Schools in Minnesota For Those Making $0-$30k list. Located in Saint Paul, Minnesota, this small private not-for-profit school awarded 11 diplomas to qualified ’s economics students in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our minnesota economics students whose families make $0-$30k list, St. Kate’s has also earned the #13 rank in our “Best Economics Schools in Minnesota” ranking. It costs about $15,102 for minnesota economics students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend St Catherine University.

The low student loan default rate of 2.7% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read more about Economics at St. Kate’s

#16

Metropolitan State University

Saint Paul, Minnesota

Metropolitan State University ranked #16 on this year’s Best Value Economics Schools in Minnesota For Those Making $0-$30k list. Metropolitan State University is a medium-sized public school situated in Saint Paul, Minnesota. It awarded 7 ’s economics degrees in 2019-2020.

Metro State not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #20 on our “Best Economics Schools in Minnesota” list. The yearly cost to attend Metro State is $14,388 for minnesota economics students whose families make $0-$30k.

Full Metropolitan State University Economics Report

#17

Hamline University

Saint Paul, Minnesota

With a ranking of #17, Hamline University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Economics Schools in Minnesota For Those Making $0-$30k list. Located in Saint Paul, Minnesota, this small private not-for-profit school awarded 7 degrees to qualified ’s economics students in 2019-2020.

Hamline also took the #17 spot in our “Best Economics Schools in Minnesota” ranking. It costs about $17,038 for Minnesota Economics students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Hamline.

The student loan default rate at the school is 3.3%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Economics at Hamline University

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota landed the #18 spot on the 2022 Best Value Economics Schools in Minnesota For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school situated in Winona, Minnesota. It awarded 13 ’s economics degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our minnesota economics students whose families make $0-$30k list, SMU MN has also earned the #21 rank in our “Best Economics Schools in Minnesota” ranking. It costs about $15,036 for minnesota economics students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.

The low student loan default rate of 3.1% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read full report on Economics at SMU MN

#19

Augsburg University

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Augsburg University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Economics Schools in Minnesota For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #19. This small school is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and it awarded 22 ’s economics degrees in 2019-2020.

Augsburg not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #12 on our “Best Economics Schools in Minnesota” list. The yearly cost to attend Augsburg University is $21,179 for Minnesota Economics students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read more about Economics at Augsburg

#20

Bethel University Minnesota

Saint Paul, Minnesota

With a ranking of #20, Bethel University Minnesota did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Economics Schools in Minnesota For Those Making $0-$30k list. Saint Paul, Minnesota is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out ’s economics degrees to 5 students in 2019-2020.

Bethel University Minnesota also made our “Best Economics Schools in Minnesota” list, coming in at #15. It costs about $18,396 for minnesota economics students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Bethel University Minnesota.

The student loan default rate at the school is 3.0%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 85%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its students.

Read more about Economics at Bethel University Minnesota

#21

University of St Thomas Minnesota

Saint Paul, Minnesota

With a ranking of #21, University of St Thomas Minnesota did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Economics Schools in Minnesota For Those Making $0-$30k list. Saint Paul, Minnesota is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out ’s economics degrees to 46 students in 2019-2020.

UST MN did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #8 on our “Best Economics Schools in Minnesota” list. The estimated yearly cost for University of St Thomas Minnesota is $27,460 for Minnesota Economics students whose families make $0-$30k.

With a freshman retention rate of 87%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its students. The low student loan default rate of 2.1% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Full UST MN Economics Report

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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