by our College Data Analytics Team
[Economics](/majors/social-sciences/economics/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong economics education at a price that pays off.
College Factual analyzed 189 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value economics schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in economics, balancing cost against outcomes.
College Of San Mateo earned the #1 spot for value among economics schools in the Far Western Region. Set in the city of San Mateo, College Of San Mateo is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,332, with out-of-state students paying around $11,428. Typical student debt for economics graduates is $12,831. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,172. Set against $12,831 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Cerritos College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value economics schools. Located in the suburb of Norwalk, Cerritos College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,364, while out-of-state students pay about $12,004. Economics graduates carry a median of $11,306 in student loans. Economics graduates of Cerritos College earn a median of $29,495 early in their careers. Set against $11,306 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in economics will find it at San Diego Miramar College, which ranked #3. Set in the city of San Diego, San Diego Miramar College is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,146, compared with $10,002 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $8,098 to complete the economics program here. Economics graduates of San Diego Miramar College earn a median of $41,038 early in their careers. Set against $8,098 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Moorpark College came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value economics schools. Set in the suburb of Moorpark, Moorpark College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,426, compared with $9,615 for out-of-state students. Economics graduates carry a median of $17,075 in student loans. Soon after graduation, economics degree recipients from Moorpark College generally make around $105,599. Set against $17,075 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Oxnard College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in economics, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Oxnard, Oxnard College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,426, while out-of-state students pay about $9,615. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,393 ten years after entry.
Skyline College earned the #6 position for value in economics this year. Skyline College is a large public school located in the suburb of San Bruno. Students from in state pay about $1,332 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,956. Median earnings reach $55,702 ten years out.
College Of The Canyons placed #7 among the best values for economics. Set in the suburb of Santa Clarita, College Of The Canyons is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,166 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,958 for out-of-state students. Economics graduates carry a median of $9,776 in student loans. Economics graduates of College Of The Canyons earn a median of $51,913 early in their careers. Set against $9,776 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
San Diego Mesa College came in at #8 for value in economics this year. Located in the city of San Diego, San Diego Mesa College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $1,146 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,002. Economics graduates carry a median of $6,999 in student loans. Soon after graduation, economics degree recipients from San Diego Mesa College generally make around $29,852. That is a strong return on a $6,999 median debt.
Canada College landed the #9 spot for economics value this year. Located in the suburb of Redwood City, Canada College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,332, with out-of-state students paying around $11,384. Economics graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. Early-career economics graduates make about $106,691. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
West Valley College came in at #10 for value in economics this year. West Valley College is a large public school located in the suburb of Saratoga. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $0, compared with $9,320 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,308 to complete the economics program here. Economics graduates of West Valley College earn a median of $25,378 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $14,308 median debt.
Irvine Valley College earned the #11 position for value in economics this year. Set in the city of Irvine, Irvine Valley College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,156, compared with $11,860 for out-of-state students. Economics graduates carry a median of $6,672 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,156. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Grossmont College placed #12 among the best values for economics. Located in the suburb of El Cajon, Grossmont College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $1,332 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,628. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,309.
Saddleback College landed the #13 spot for economics value this year. Set in the suburb of Mission Viejo, Saddleback College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,432, compared with $14,812 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for economics graduates is $5,707. Soon after graduation, economics degree recipients from Saddleback College generally make around $15,890. That is a strong return on a $5,707 median debt.
Golden West College earned the #14 position for value in economics this year. Located in the suburb of Huntington Beach, Golden West College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,380, while out-of-state students pay about $11,628. Economics graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Economics graduates of Golden West College earn a median of $82,984 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Pasadena City College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best value economics schools. Set in the city of Pasadena, Pasadena City College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,180, while out-of-state students pay about $10,924. Economics graduates carry a median of $9,191 in student loans. Economics graduates of Pasadena City College earn a median of $38,841 early in their careers. Set against $9,191 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Imperial Valley College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best value economics schools. Set in the rural area of Imperial, Imperial Valley College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,126, compared with $8,830 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for economics graduates is $6,176. Soon after graduation, economics degree recipients from Imperial Valley College generally make around $42,617. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Fresno City College placed #17 among the best values for economics. Located in the city of Fresno, Fresno City College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $1,378, while out-of-state students pay about $8,638. Economics graduates carry a median of $7,234 in student loans. Early-career economics graduates make about $37,470. That is a strong return on a $7,234 median debt.
Santa Monica College ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best value economics schools. Located in the city of Santa Monica, Santa Monica College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,156, with out-of-state students paying around $10,708. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,193.
Santiago Canyon College ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best value economics schools. Located in the city of Orange, Santiago Canyon College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,164, while out-of-state students pay about $9,612. Typical student debt for economics graduates is $5,500. Early-career economics graduates make about $34,100. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
De Anza College earned the #20 position for value in economics this year. Located in the city of Cupertino, De Anza College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $1,571 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,596. Students borrow a median of $7,271 to complete the economics program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,596. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
American River College placed #21 among the best values for economics. Located in the suburb of Sacramento, American River College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $1,288, while out-of-state students pay about $12,616. Students borrow a median of $14,105 to complete the economics program here. Early-career economics graduates make about $76,077. Set against $14,105 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
El Camino Community College District earned the #22 position for value in economics this year. Located in the suburb of Torrance, El Camino Community College District is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,144, with out-of-state students paying around $7,630. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,589.
Folsom Lake College placed #23 among the best values for economics. Located in the city of Folsom, Folsom Lake College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $1,288 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,616. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,568 ten years after entry.
Orange Coast College landed the #24 spot for economics value this year. Located in the city of Costa Mesa, Orange Coast College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,392, with out-of-state students paying around $11,640. Typical student debt for economics graduates is $8,978. Economics graduates of Orange Coast College earn a median of $46,306 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $8,978 median debt.
Sacramento City College came in at #25 for value in economics this year. Located in the city of Sacramento, Sacramento City College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,288, compared with $12,616 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,180 to complete the economics program here. Soon after graduation, economics degree recipients from Sacramento City College generally make around $46,522. Set against $13,180 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
These schools also delivered strong value for economics this year:
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 189 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 68 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.