Best Economics Degrees in the US by ROI
Top colleges ranked by estimated 20-year net return on investment across all active states. Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Programs Analyzed
3
Colleges with salary data
Average 20-Yr Net ROI
+$506,837
Across all programs
Average Annual Cost
$61,561
Cost of attendance
| # | College | State | 20-Yr Net ROI | Median Salary | Annual Cost | Avg Debt | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Davidson College
Grad rate: 91.8% |
NC | +$661,351 | $80,388 | $75,865 | $22,625 | Full ROI → |
| 2 |
New York University
Grad rate: 87.8% |
NY | +$607,039 | $76,308 | $79,121 | N/A | Full ROI → |
| 3 |
University of Massachusetts-Boston
Grad rate: 51.1% |
MA | +$252,122 | $56,091 | $29,698 | N/A | Full ROI → |
How ROI is calculated
20-Year Net ROI = Gross Earnings (salary × 20) − Total Degree Cost − Debt Payoff (×1.35) − Baseline Opportunity Cost ($42,000 × 20). Data from the U.S. College Scorecard.
Find Best Economics Degrees by State
Browse Economics programs ranked by 20-year ROI in every state that offers this degree.