by our College Data Analytics TeamEconomics is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. A focused field like this rewards careful comparison of the schools that offer it.
College Factual analyzed 11 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best economics schools.
What’s on this page:
If you are not interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the economics degrees they offer, see the list below.
Clemson University tops our 2026 ranking of the best economics schools. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Clemson. Roughly 87% of students complete a degree within six years here. Clemson University awarded about 163 economics degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the economics program make about $45,075 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $22,250. Get the full economics details for Clemson University
Furman University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best economics schools. Set in the suburb of Greenville, Furman University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 79%. Furman University awarded about 29 economics degrees in the most recent data year. Economics graduates of Furman University earn a median of $55,615 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $24,125. More information about a degree in economics from Furman University
University Of South Carolina Columbia is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in economics, landing the #3 spot this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Columbia. Roughly 79% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 69 economics students who graduated with this degree at University Of South Carolina Columbia in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, economics degree recipients from University Of South Carolina Columbia generally make around $48,149. University Of South Carolina Columbia graduates carry a median of $24,062 in student loans. See the full economics program report for University Of South Carolina Columbia
Wofford College is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in economics, ranking #4. Set in the city of Spartanburg, Wofford College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Wofford College graduates 84% of students within six years. Wofford College awarded about 11 economics degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the economics program make about $41,052 in their early career. Wofford College graduates carry a median of $24,643 in student loans. More information about a degree in economics from Wofford College
College Of Charleston came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best economics schools. College Of Charleston is a large public school located in the city of Charleston. College Of Charleston graduates 66% of students within six years. There were roughly 14 economics students who graduated with this degree at College Of Charleston in the most recent data year. Graduates of the economics program make about $40,222 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $24,733 to complete this degree. See the full economics program report for College Of Charleston
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 11 schools evaluated.
More about our data sources and methodologies.