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2022 Best Value Doctor’s Degree Colleges for Economics (Income $30-$48k)

119 Ranked Colleges
1,219 Degrees Awarded
$44,900 Avg Grad Tuition & Fees*
Best Value Economics Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k

It’s not easy to decide which college to attend when there so many options available for students. At College Factual, we’re committed to helping you make that decision by providing information such as that found in our “Best Value Economics Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k” ranking.

Economics is the 18th most popular major in the country with 48,831 degrees awarded in 2019-2020. 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.

At the doctor’s degree level specifically, there were 1,219 economics graduates with average earnings and debt of $72,680 and $116,043 respectively.

This year’s “Best Value Economics Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k” ranking analyzed 119 colleges that offered a degree in economics. This ranking identifies schools with high-quality economics programs that also have a lower cost than 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

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 For Those Making $30-$48k” 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 For Those Making $30-$48k

The following schools top our list of the Best Best Value Economics Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k.

Top 25 Best Value Doctor’s Degree Colleges for Economics (Income $30-$48k)

#1

Duke University

Durham, North Carolina
#1 in overall quality

Out of the 119 schools in the Best Value Economics Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k that were part of this year’s ranking, Duke University landed the #1 spot on the list. This fairly large school is located in Durham, North Carolina, and it awarded 18 doctorate’s economics degrees in 2019-2020.

Duke did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #1 on our “Best Economics Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Duke are $59,140, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Economics at Duke

#2

Harvard University

Cambridge, Massachusetts
#2 in overall quality

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Harvard University. The school came in at #2 for the Best Value Economics Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, this large private not-for-profit school awarded 39 degrees to qualified doctorate’s economics students in 2019-2020.

Harvard also took the #2 spot in our “Best Economics Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Harvard University are $50,654.

Read more about Economics at Harvard University

#3

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
#3 in overall quality

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of Pennsylvania. It ranked #3 on our 2022 Best Value Economics Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k list. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out doctorate’s economics degrees to 17 students in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UPenn, the school also landed the #3 spot in our “Best Economics Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at UPenn are $41,760.

Read full report on Economics at UPenn

#4

Yale University

New Haven, Connecticut
#4 in overall quality

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Yale University. It ranked #4 on our 2022 Best Value Economics Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k list. This fairly large school is located in New Haven, Connecticut, and it awarded 16 doctorate’s economics degrees in 2019-2020.

Yale also made our “Best Economics Doctor’s Degree Schools” list, coming in at #4. Average graduate tuition and fees at Yale University are $44,500, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Economics at Yale University

#5

Stanford University

Stanford, California
#8 in overall quality

Out of the 119 schools in the Best Value Economics Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k that were part of this year’s ranking, Stanford University landed the #5 spot on the list. Stanford University is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in Stanford, California. It awarded 14 doctorate’s economics degrees in 2019-2020.

Stanford not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #8 on our “Best Economics Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Stanford University are $55,011.

Read full report on Economics at Stanford

#6

Northwestern University

Evanston, Illinois
#5 in overall quality

With a ranking of #6, Northwestern University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Economics Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k list. This large school is located in Evanston, Illinois, and it awarded 20 doctorate’s economics degrees in 2019-2020.

Northwestern not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #5 on our “Best Economics Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Northwestern are $56,567, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Economics at Northwestern University

#7

Rice University

Houston, Texas
#14 in overall quality

Rice University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Economics Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #7. Rice is a medium-sized school located in Houston, Texas that handed out 5 doctorate’s economics degrees in 2019-2020.

Rice also took the #14 spot in our “Best Economics Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Rice University are $47,913.

Full Rice University Economics Report

#8

Brown University

Providence, Rhode Island
#10 in overall quality

Brown University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Economics Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #8. Located in Providence, Rhode Island, this medium-sized private not-for-profit school awarded 15 diplomas to qualified doctorate’s economics students in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our doctor’s degree economics students whose families make $30-$48k list, Brown has also earned the #10 rank in our “Best Economics Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Brown are $60,363, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Economics at Brown

#9

University of Chicago

Chicago, Illinois
#6 in overall quality

University of Chicago did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Economics Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #9. Located in Chicago, Illinois, this fairly large private not-for-profit school awarded 37 degrees to qualified doctorate’s economics students in 2019-2020.

UChicago also made our “Best Economics Doctor’s Degree Schools” list, coming in at #6. Average graduate tuition and fees at UChicago are $61,548, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Economics at University of Chicago

#10

Princeton University

Princeton, New Jersey
#18 in overall quality

With a ranking of #10, Princeton University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Economics Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k list. Located in Princeton, New Jersey, this medium-sized private not-for-profit school handed out 10 diplomas to qualified doctorate’s economics students in 2019-2020.

Princeton also took the #18 spot in our “Best Economics Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Princeton University are $56,470, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full Princeton Economics Report

#11

Cornell University

Ithaca, New York
#9 in overall quality

Cornell University landed the #11 spot on the 2022 Best Value Economics Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Located in Ithaca, New York, this large private not-for-profit school handed out 20 degrees to qualified doctorate’s economics students in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our doctor’s degree economics students whose families make $30-$48k list, Cornell has also earned the #9 rank in our “Best Economics Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Cornell University are $30,042.

Full Cornell Economics Report

#12

Washington University in St Louis

Saint Louis, Missouri
#17 in overall quality

Washington University in St Louis ranked #12 on this year’s Best Value Economics Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k list. Washington University in St Louis is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in Saint Louis, Missouri. It awarded 10 doctorate’s economics degrees in 2019-2020.

WUSTL did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #17 on our “Best Economics Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at WUSTL are $56,562, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Economics at Washington University in St Louis

#13

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, Maryland
#11 in overall quality

With a ranking of #13, Johns Hopkins University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Economics Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k list. Johns Hopkins University is located in Baltimore, Maryland and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 6 doctorate’s economics degrees to qualified students.

In addition to being on our doctor’s degree economics students whose families make $30-$48k list, Johns Hopkins has also earned the #11 rank in our “Best Economics Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Johns Hopkins are $59,425, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full Johns Hopkins University Economics Report

#7 in overall quality

Columbia University in the City of New York came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Economics Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. New York, New York is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out doctorate’s economics degrees to 29 students in 2019-2020.

Columbia not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #7 on our “Best Economics Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Columbia are $51,194, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Economics at Columbia University in the City of New York

#15

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, Tennessee
#13 in overall quality

Vanderbilt University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Economics Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #15. Vanderbilt is a private not-for-profit institution located in Nashville, Tennessee. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 3 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

Vanderbilt also took the #13 spot in our “Best Economics Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Vanderbilt University are $50,624, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Economics at Vanderbilt

#16

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, Michigan
#15 in overall quality

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Economics Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. U-M is a large public school situated in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It awarded 20 doctorate’s economics degrees in 2019-2020.

U-M also took the #15 spot in our “Best Economics Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at U-M are $49,548.

Read more about Economics at U-M

#22 in overall quality

With a ranking of #17, University of Wisconsin - Madison did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Economics Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k list. UW - Madison is a large public school situated in Madison, Wisconsin. It awarded 28 doctorate’s economics degrees in 2019-2020.

UW - Madison also made our “Best Economics Doctor’s Degree Schools” list, coming in at #22. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Wisconsin - Madison are $25,523, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Economics at University of Wisconsin - Madison

#18

Boston College

Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
#21 in overall quality

Boston College did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Economics Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #18. Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out doctorate’s economics degrees to 11 students in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Boston College, the school also landed the #21 spot in our “Best Economics Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Boston College are $31,930, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Economics at Boston College

#19

University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, Indiana
#16 in overall quality

University of Notre Dame came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Economics Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. This fairly large school is located in Notre Dame, Indiana, and it awarded 4 doctorate’s economics degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our doctor’s degree economics students whose families make $30-$48k list, Notre Dame has also earned the #16 rank in our “Best Economics Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Notre Dame are $57,522, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Economics at Notre Dame

#20

University of Florida

Gainesville, Florida

University of Florida came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Economics Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Gainesville, Florida 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.

Average graduate tuition and fees at UF are $30,130, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Economics at UF

#21

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ranked #21 on this year’s Best Value Economics Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k list. This large school is located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and it awarded 7 doctorate’s economics degrees in 2019-2020.

Average graduate tuition and fees at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are $30,248, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Economics at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

#22

Purdue University - Main Campus

West Lafayette, Indiana

Purdue University - Main Campus ranked #22 on this year’s Best Value Economics Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k list. Purdue University - Main Campus is a large school located in West Lafayette, Indiana that handed out 7 doctorate’s economics degrees in 2019-2020.

Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Purdue are $28,794.

Read more about Economics at Purdue University - Main Campus

#23

Northeastern University

Boston, Massachusetts

Northeastern University landed the #23 spot on the 2022 Best Value Economics Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Northeastern is located in Boston, Massachusetts and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 4 doctorate’s economics degrees to qualified students.

Average graduate tuition and fees at Northeastern are $25,558, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full Northeastern University Economics Report

#24

University of California - Berkeley

Berkeley, California
#20 in overall quality

With a ranking of #24, University of California - Berkeley did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Economics Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k list. University of California - Berkeley is a public institution located in Berkeley, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 28 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UC Berkeley, the school also landed the #20 spot in our “Best Economics Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of California - Berkeley are $29,347, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full University of California - Berkeley Economics Report

#25

University of Virginia - Main Campus

Charlottesville, Virginia
Top 25% in overall quality

With a ranking of #25, University of Virginia - Main Campus did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Economics Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $30-$48k list. This large school is located in Charlottesville, Virginia, and it awarded 10 doctorate’s economics degrees in 2019-2020.

Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Virginia are $32,394, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Economics at University of Virginia - Main Campus

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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