Most Affordable Bachelor's In Economics Degrees

Top 10 Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Economics ; #2, Georgia State University Atlanta, GA ; #3, Boston University Boston, MA ; #4, Columbia University
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Updated January 31, 2023

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Consider a Major in Economics

In addition to being an extremely popular field currently—consider, for instance, the recent popularity of Thomas Piketty's Capital in the Twenty-First Century—it also has an excellent track record of producing some of the highest salaries upon graduation of any other undergraduate major.

Many majors in economics proceed to graduate studies, but this list focuses on an undergraduate major in economics for its own sake and with a job after graduation in view.

Online education has been growing in quality and popularity. So you should do yourself a favor and consider the flexibility that an online program offers. Check out our list of the top online economics degrees.

Many majors in economics proceed to graduate studies, but this list focuses on an undergraduate major in economics for its own sake and with a job after graduation in view.

Our list is based primarily on two factors: cost of attendance and salary upon graduation. We drew our data from publicly available sources such as CNN Money and Payscale.com. We encourage you to keep in mind that the average post-graduation salary figures are estimates, and that these numbers can and will fluctuate from year to year.

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That said, we believe this list offers a valuable guide to finding a school that is both affordable, reputable, and useful for your future.

50. Brandeis University

The Economics major is the most popular major at Brandeis University, and the Department of Economics is made up of a team of internationally recognized research faculty. The major is also appealing with an emphasis on not only a strong curriculum, but encouraged involvement in departmental events, lectures, individual research, and community service. Recent graduates from this program have entered top economics PhD programs including MIT, Harvard, and the University of Chicago. Interdisciplinary courses that combine economics with other disciplines in the arts and sciences are also available for economics students.

Tuition: $64,583

Starting salary: $43,900

49. Boston College

Boston College’s major in Economics focuses heavily on research and methodology while providing writing-intensive courses, independent studies, and internships. It provides students with a route to careers in law, government service, business as well as professional economics. Deep analytical foundations are expected, but a variety of electives allows a wide range of knowledge, including but not limited to public sector economics, capital theory, econometrics, international trade and finance, and industrial organization.

Tuition: $64,455

Starting salary: $50,200

48. University of Texas at Dallas

UT Dallas has a nationally and internationally acclaimed, award-winning faculty. They have received many grants and awards for their work and research. They provide both a BA and BS in Economics. The bachelor of science degree requires two math courses and an econometrics course that are not required with the bachelor of arts degree. Economics degrees lead to careers in academe, corporations, government, labor, and regional and urban planning services. An economics degree is considered excellent preparation for law school or pursuing an MBA.

Tuition: $49,333

Starting salary: $48,600

47. University of Chicago

Chicago students use their B.A. in economics for a wide range of career paths that include further professional degrees in law, business, and medicine, graduate level work in applied economics and economic policy, as well as Ph.D. training for economic research careers. The B.A. program is intended to equip students with the basic tools to understand the operation of a modern economy. The program is based on a scientific approach, with particular emphasis on observations, experiments, and model-testing.

Tuition: $66,291

Starting salary: $45,600

46. New York University

The faculty at New York University is particularly strong in Economic Theory, Macroeconomics, International Economics, and Economic Growth and Development. The Department's major can be taken in either one of two concentrations, a Theory concentration (a formal approach to economic analysis) or a Policy concentration (less formal, and emphasizes the role of economic institutions and the interplay between policy and theory). The Department offers an Honors Program that gives students access to professors in small classes and culminates in the writing of a senior thesis. Although a demanding curriculum, community involvement is encouraged through the Undergraduate Economics Society, and a wide variety of financial aid is available.

Tuition: $66,785

Starting salary: $48,8oo

45. Boston University

 

The B.A. program at Boston University requires 32 four-credit courses. It yields large introductory classes (225-280 students) meeting three hours per week. This class also includes a one-hour weekly discussion section with a teaching assistant. Econ majors can also minor in another field. Departmental honors are determined by a high-quality research paper followed by a discussion with a defense committee.

Tuition: $64,527

Starting salary: $48,000

44. Northwestern University

More than half the students in Northwestern University’s Economics Department complete a double major. Popular majors taken in conjunction with economics are Industrial Engineering, Political Science, History, Mathematics, and Psychology as well as other degrees in the Schools of Communication, Education, Journalism, and Music. Other interdisciplinary major or minors studied in conjunction are International Studies, Mathematical Methods, in the Social Sciences, or Business Institutions. The Department also offers the ability to obtain a B.A. and M.A. degree in four years of study. The faculty has won many awards, are widely published in leading academic journals, and have been elected as fellows of prestigious professional organizations.

Tuition: $65,473

Starting salary: $50,000

43. University of Southern California

The USC Department of Economics has internationally recognized scholars in its faculty and one of the most diverse student populations in the United States. Economics is one of the most popular majors on campus. The undergraduate program (of about 800 students) encourages critical thinking and creative problem solving. After graduation, these students continue on to MBA programs, law school, and medical school. They pursue careers in business, finance and the public sector. And some enroll in economics master or doctoral programs becoming research economists at various institutions. Collaboration on research is a singular trait to this campus.

Tuition: $65,447

Starting salary: $50,900

42. Washington University St. Louis

The staff and faculty at Washington University at St. Louis pays close attention to job placement of their students post graduation. With a difficult job market facing graduates, this can be very reassuring. The Economics major requires 8 economics courses, calculus, and a course in probability and statistics. The school website provides detailed information about the Economics Program that provides insight on study abroad programs, the ability to transfer credits from another school, independent study and research options, internship opportunities, honors programs, career planning assistance, and information on the faculty.

Tuition: $64,667

Starting salary: $51,900

41. Georgetown University

With a newly established GCER (Georgetown Center for Economic Research), Georgetown University has continued to foster an environment for incredible research. The broad goal at the undergrad level is to provide students with the tools, language, and rigor to understand and contribute to the economic dialogue at a local, national, and international level. For those seeking a master’s degree or higher, theoretical and empirical foundations serve as excellent preparation.

Tuition: $64,601

Starting salary: $53,000

40. University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania provides a useful background for students interested in careers in public policy, business, or finance. Undergraduates have the opportunity to publish papers in an undergraduate economics journal. Empirical analysis in economics often utilizes software packages such as EVIEWS, GAUSS, MATLAB, R, or STATA. Some projects involve coding in FORTRAN or C. Do well in advanced courses and increase your chances of getting hired as an RA by a professor, but you’ll be competing with grad students.

Tuition: $64,965

Starting salary: $44,200

39. Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University’s primary focus is on a strategy of depth rather than breadth in core research fields. Its undergraduate major and minor focus on quantitative reasoning, communication, and the ability to hold effective economic arguments. Most students who are econ majors or minors do so for the valuable background it provides for other professional schools.

Tuition: $65,139

Starting salary: $55,600

38. Duke University

Boasting the most sought-after degree on campus, the Department of Economics at Duke University serves 700 undergraduate students and 170 students working toward a masters degree or Ph.D. Highlights of this program include diverse faculty research interests overlapping in unique ways across sub-disciplines, Econ Department support via EcoTeach, integration with the larger Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Research Triangle, and research-focused undergraduate seminars.

Tuition: $64,970

Starting salary: $55,900

37. Georgia State University

Georgia State University, located in Atlanta, is home to an unusually productive Department of Economics. Faculty are engaged in both theoretical and practical endeavors, and students are prepared for service in private, public, and non-profit sectors alike. The Department has a particular interest in policy analysis and involvement, which provides students with an intentionally interdisciplinary and practical approach to the discipline. It boasts nearly 40 full-time faculty members, making it one of the largest Econ departments in the country, offers degrees up to the Ph.D., and its graduates are highly sought after.

Tuition: $28,071

Starting salary: $42,400

36. Carnegie Mellon University

Students enrolling in Carnegie Mellon’s economics program can expect to graduate into the business world with analytical insights, creative problem-solving skills, and passion for making a difference. The Economics Department boasts a rigorous curriculum that encourages independent thinking through innovative electives. Graduates from this Nobel Prize-winning, innovative research program are highly sought after by academia, business, and government. Two-thirds of graduates embark on careers immediately, and one-third of graduates continue on to graduate school.

Tuition: $65,255

Starting salary: $60,200

35. University of California San Diego

The Department of Economics at UC San Diego was founded in 1964 and offers three undergrad majors, minors, and an honors program. As of 2013, the Department of Economics has 42 faculty and two research professors (one Nobel Laureate). Seven faculty members are Fellows of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, eight are Fellows of the Econometric Society, and 15 are researchers with the National Bureau of Economic Research. The powerhouse faculty leads a rigorous undergraduate program demanding a strong mathematical background. The faculty prides itself in consisting of “active researchers” so they can take the students “beyond the textbook.”

Tuition: $31,245

Starting salary: $47,600

34. Yale University

The approach to Economics at Yale University is descriptive and analytical. The focus is on social institutions and social outcomes rather than on individual economic performance. Economics at Yale is regarded and taught as part of a liberal education, not as a preparation for any particular vocation. Tobin Research Assistantships give undergraduates in economics at Yale an opportunity to learn about conducting research working as a research assistant for a professor. The faculty and staff encourage participation in senior essays, providing prizes for outstanding essays.

Tuition: $63,633

Starting salary: $50,000

33. University of California Davis

UC Davis sits in the city of Davis, a classic college town. The college has grown to 32,653 students, which makes up nearly half of Davis, a city with a population of only 65,622 residents. The economics degree is very flexible. Upper division classes cover traditional areas of economics as well as newer fields such as the Economics of East Asia and Health Economics. Permanent faculty of the Department of Economics teach over 90 percent of the department's undergraduate classes, and visiting instructors with a Ph.D. teach the remaining courses. Graduate students act as teaching assistants who lead discussion sections.

Tuition: $32,549

Starting salary: $49,000

32. University of South Carolina

The Economics curriculum at the University of South Carolina in the state capitol of Columbia provides a strong liberal arts education with specialization in both theoretical and applied economics. The program includes challenging coursework and core microecon/marcoecon concepts. Students can also enhance their experience through study abroad programs, student organizations, and honors societies, and can further their education into graduate school. Internships and research opportunities are available for those that want to add a competitive edge. Graduates with degrees in Economics are often employed in banking, manufacturing, insurance, retailing, and economic research. Many also seek local, state, and federal government positions in regional planning and development, employment and labor force analysis, ecology, transportation, and the regulation of industry.

Tuition: $24,841

Starting salary: $41,300

31. Brown University

The Department of Economics is housed in a Gothic library and remains one of the most popular majors at Brown University, and it offers several undergraduate concentrations. Faculty members engage in research ranging from pure theory to applied subject and further, the doctoral program attracts scholars from around the world. Brown offers a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics by combining programs with other departments. Recent econ grads have been employed at Apple, FDIC, Bloomberg LP, Goldman Sachs, Google, JP Morgan Chase, Morgan Stanley, Clinton Global Initiative, US Department of State, and The World Bank.

Tuition: $63,261

Starting salary: $52,300

30. Dartmouth College

Analytical thinking, asking questions, and examining problems: a simple summary of the program at Dartmouth College, which provides a modified major. Students who fit this major have an interest in economics but wish to study primarily in another discipline. The curriculum focuses on current and important social problems with a macro, hands-on approach but also boasts study abroad opportunities, undergraduate research options, and the College Fed Challenge. Dartmouth offers courses in a series of fields, including finance, international trade, macroeconomics, competition and strategy, labor economics, development economics, and public economics. Seminars are largely discussion-based and involve 15 students or fewer.

Tuition: $65,780

Starting salary: $55,000

29. Columbia University

Nestled in the financial capital of the world, the Department of Economics at Columbia University in New York offers a general economics major in addition to five interdisciplinary majors. All of the programs have different requirements but share a common structure of core theoretical courses. Columbia University trains students to think analytically about social issues and provides a solid foundation for further study and careers in economics as well as multiple other pursuits. The faculty boasts research in a wide range of fields from pure theory to applied subjects. The Columbia business school also offers senior seminars, research programs, and research assistant positions.

Tuition: $67,263

Starting salary: $57,600

28. Cornell University

For students looking into an undergraduate program at Cornell, flexibility and connections are key. The College of Arts and Sciences creates a supportive and encouraging atmosphere for incoming freshmen. Of the recent 2014 graduates, 47% are going to be employed next year in the business sector, 13% are going to grad school, and a small percentage to government, law, and Peace Corps. You can keep up with the latest updates for Economics majors through the undergraduate newsletter, Ezranomics.

Tuition: $64,797

Starting salary: $57,000

27. Harvard University

Harvard’s Economics Department is frequently ranked among the top institutions in the world for teaching and research in the study of economics. The Department offers both a concentration in economics for undergraduate students and the doctoral program for graduate students. It is also home to the Quarterly Journal of Economics, established in 1886 as the first scholarly journal of economics in the English-speaking world. In 2013, the department had 3,370 undergraduate enrollments in 82 Economics courses, and the doctoral program received 638 applications from 67 countries, with 34 admissions.

Tuition: $62,440

Starting salary: $55,300

26. Pennsylvania State University

Penn State offers both a B.A. and B.S. in Economics as well as a minor. There is also a Departmental Honors Program which is composed of a small number of outstanding students, providing the opportunities for independent research and close contact with faculty and fellow students. The B.A. requires students to reach the 12th-credit level of proficiency in a single foreign language, while the B.S. major requires specific quantitative skills courses instead and no foreign language.

Tuition: $32,457

Starting salary: $48,300

25. Princeton University

Princeton University boasts one of the finest economics departments in the world. It includes the most popular major on campus and a diverse group of students with a broad range of interests. 75% of students go directly into the business world immediately after graduation, and the rest go on to graduate school in law, medicine, business, and economics. There is both a junior independent paper and senior thesis. The economics major is particularly easy to combine with a finance certificate.

Tuition: $59,273

Starting salary: $56,100

24. California Institute of Technology

There are multiple social sciences options at the Economics Department at the California Institute of Technology, or Caltech: Economics, Political Science, and BEM (Business, Economics, and Managment). Economics at Caltech is highly analytical, technical, and theory-focused, like most other majors at the institute. It claims a “modern and quantitative approach” to economics with emphasis on economic principles and modern methodology. Being math and data heavy, multivariable calculus is a prerequisite for even introductory courses.

Tuition: $60,113

Starting salary: $68,400

23. University of California Los Angeles

UCLA includes a young and active faculty whose work covers a diversity of topics and teaches of a progressive agenda of research and teaching. There are approximately 3,300 undergraduate majors at any one time, making it the largest among major economics departments across the country and the largest major on campus. UCLA provides students with the theoretical and empirical foundations for addressing real world problems. UCLA offers majors and minors, tutors, honors programs, the Department Scholars Program, scholarships, the Sharpe Fellows Program, and many other resources for students including partnerships and the new and comprehensive UCLA Business Council (UBA) .

Tuition: $30,599

Starting salary: $49,600

22. Michigan State University

Michigan State University’s Economics Department, with 47 tenured/tenure-track faculty members, offers both a B.A. and a B.S. degree in Economics. Students are encouraged to tailor their own program of study to their interests. Flexibility is key, but foundations are essential. Both the B.A. and the B.S. require a strong core of economic theory, supplemented by mathematics, data analysis or statistics, and computer science. The trifecta for MSU Department of Economics is high quality education, leading-edge research, and providing leadership and service to their professional communities.

Tuition: $26,789

Starting salary: $45,900

21. Arizona State University

Arizona State University prepares you for business, government and public policy careers by studying all facets of the economy. It is equipped with a prize-winning faculty that is actively engaged in research and top publications. The course of study can be tailored to prepare you for various graduate programs to follow, whether that be economics, business, or law.

Tuition: $26,536

Starting salary: $45,700

20. Indiana University Bloomington

The Department of Economics at Indiana University Bloomington offers comprehensive coverage of the major fields in modern economics. It currently has 28 faculty members, approximately 80 graduate students, and approximately 800 undergraduate majors. The department has existed since 1935, and is located in the beautifully restored Wylie Hall, the oldest building on campus. A major in economics provides preparation for graduate and professional schooling, and for careers in consulting, finance, and other private and public sector employment.

Tuition: $24,315

Starting salary: $43,900

19. Stanford University

Like many schools previously listed, the Economics major is one of the most popular at Stanford. Economics has been taught at Stanford since the university opened for classes in 1891. The undergraduate program provides an excellent background for those going on to graduate work in the professional schools (for example, business and law) and may also be structured to prepare students for a Ph.D. program in economics. The very structured curriculum is rigorous, active, analytical, and encourages students to put their skills to use.

Tuition: $61,648

Starting salary: $61,300

18. Rutgers University

Economics hails as the second most popular major at Rutgers in New Brunswick, with over 1,000 majors enrolled in their curriculum that provides“rigorous training in the basics.” All economics majors must take 7 elective (300 and 400) economics courses. Rutgers offers both a major and a minor as well as a Certificate in Quantitative Economics, honors research, and undergraduate awards, internships, workshops, and participation in the Fed Challenge.

Tuition: $30,241

Starting salary: $50,000

17. University of Illinois Urbana Champaign

The Economics Department at Illinois offers degrees at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The undergraduate program prepares students for careers in business and government, and provides an ideal background for graduate study in Law, Business, Public Policy, and Economics. The undergraduate degree program gives students a broad grounding. All majors receive training in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and the statistical tools of economics known as econometrics. Here, the focus is on the experience, offering special events, networking opportunities, workshops, student organizations, and other activities promote students’ personal growth. In addition, the university provide a host of opportunities for personal, scholarly, and career development through workshops, conferences, study abroad, internships, career fairs, and other events.

Tuition: $30,855

Starting salary: $51,600

16. University of Washington

Established in 1917, the Economics Department at the University of Washington is one of the largest and oldest departments in the College of Arts & Sciences. The faculty strengths include econometrics, finance, macroeconomics, international economics, industrial organization, environmental economics, development economics, and microeconomic theory. The B.A. with a major in Economics preps students for careers in the private and public sectors, and for graduate study in fields such as law and MBA programs. The BS with a major in Economics emphasizes math and quantitative techniques along with economics. This program is geared towards careers in technical and scientific areas and for graduate studies in economics and related fields such as statistics, mathematics and finance.

Tuition: $27,890

Starting salary: $49,300

15. University of Minnesota

A unifying theme throughout the department at Minnesota is that careful theoretical and empirical reasoning underlie all research and teaching. This is a heavily quantitative, demanding curriculum with a faculty that carefully molds students into outstanding economists. Many opportunities are open to econ students--talks and seminars at the department, internships in industry, employment opportunities within the department, academic scholarships, Undergrad Honors Program, and the undergraduate Economics Student Organization (ESO). The Economics department at the University of Minnesota has a unique relationship with Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. Many faculty hold positions at the Federal Reserve as consultants.

Tuition: $26,981

Starting salary: $48,700

14. Ohio State University

The Department of Economics at Ohio State offers two majors, a B.A. and a B.S. The B.S. program has a stronger quantitative component that is valuable preparation for graduate work in economics or for more analytical areas of government and business. The B.A. is less quantitative and broader. Both degrees provide an excellent base for graduate work in the social sciences or in professional programs, such as law or business. There are many opportunities to assist with research, including data collection, information processing, and data analysis, while working one-on-one with faculty members.

Tuition: $24,322

Starting salary: $46,200

13. University of Wisconsin

The Department of Economics at the University of Wisconsin is a top teaching and research department. The mission of the fast-growing department is to understand the decisions of businesses and consumers as well as the implications and causes of contemporary economic issues by developing a systematic and thorough understanding of precisely how economic systems operate. Students are taught the analytical method of economics and are prepared with in depth knowledge for both further schooling (graduate work in business, law, public policy, economics, public administration, industrial relations, international relations, urban and regional planning, and environmental studies) and the immediate job market.

Tuition: $23,445

Starting salary: $46,400

12. University of Arizona

The Department of Economics at Arizona has long been known for its research in experimental economics and in economic history. It offers two undergraduate degrees and a small faculty with research strengths in microeconometrics, microeconomic theory, and game theory, consistently earning national and international awards. Students can pursue a B.A. through the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences or a B.S.B.A. through the Eller College of Management. Students in both majors must complete a minimum 30 units in economics with a very similar set of core courses. The choice of one major over the other is often dictated by a student’s interests and career goals.

Tuition: $24,716

Starting salary: $48,400

11. University of Maryland

Virtually every major theoretical and applied area of economics is studied due to the size and diversity of the faculty (approximately 40 faculty members) at Maryland. The undergraduate program provides your basic econ courses, broad coverage, and base knowledge to prepare students for further schooling or careers in business, banking and finance, government, law, or international relations. The Department encourages independent research, study abroad programs, and internships to supplement coursework.They also have an Honors Program as well as a program called Outside the Classroom to provide opportunities to apply economic concepts.

Tuition: $24,495

Starting salary: $50,600

10. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The undergraduate major in economics at MIT begins with a two-semester introductory sequence that explores theoretical and applied topics in microeconomics and macroeconomics. Additional training in microeconomics, macroeconomics, statistics, and econometrics follows. The undergraduate program is heavy on research and writing and even offers students the chance to publish original papers. Innovation is consistent and new courses are constantly being added. Students can look forward to the Undergraduate Economics Association and the Cambridge-MIT exchange program. Due to MIT’s challenging intellectual environment, about 20 percent of MIT economics undergrads enter a graduate program in economics or finance.

Tuition: $62,073

Starting salary: $68,600

9. University of Florida

The Economics faculty at Florida has broad intellectual interests in theoretical and applied research. Students can engage in weekly seminar series and research projects that are supported by funding from a variety of federal, state and private sources. UF offers at B.A. in Economics, which is appropriate for students intending to pursue advanced degrees in the social sciences and for enrollment in professional schools of management, law, or public administration.

Tuition: $18,542

Starting salary: $47,600

8. Texas A&M University

Texas A&M is located in Bryan/College Station, which has been named the #1 college town in the U.S. (www.livability.com). An attractive list of qualities pulls in many undergraduates, including but not limited to student-friendly housing near campus, efficient public transportation, low tuition rates, inexpensive living, numerous parks, athletic fields, and recreational centers. Texas A&M offers a BA and BS in Economics, as well as M.S. and Ph.D. programs. In the undergraduate program, you will first take foundational courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and mathematics. Following is statistics and intermediate economic theory courses, and finally upper-level elective courses.

Tuition: $22,839

Starting salary: $51,900

7. Purdue University

Purdue offers two degrees: a B.S. through the Management School and a B.A. through the College of Liberal Arts, as well as an Economics honors Program and a Minor in Economics.The B.A. degree is for students seeking a degree in Economics in the context of a broader liberal arts education. Financial aid and study abroad programs are both available through their website. Post graduation, about 75 percent go into the workforce and 25 percent pursue further schooling.

Tuition: $24,467

Starting salary: $54,200

6. University of North Carolina

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill provides a massive amount of programs to undergraduates, including but not limited to an undergraduate honors program, the Omicron Delta Epsilon international honorary society, internships, the UNC Economics Club, participation in the College Fed Challenge, and a joint degree program with the National University of Singapore. Students choosing to establish a major in Economics devote a minimum of 24 hours to Economics courses out of the 120 hours required for graduation. Base courses use Economics 101 as a springboard to more detailed analysis. Students considering doing graduate work in economics should take additional math courses and/or major or minor in mathematics.

Tuition: $23,363

Starting salary: $44,200

5. University of California Berkeley

Founded in 1903, UC Berkeley was one of the first in the United States to name a Department of Economics. The department is consistently ranked among the world’s top research departments, is globally acclaimed, and known for creativity and advancement of women in academia. Those students that go on to earn Ph.Ds have been hired at Harvard, Yale, MIT, the U.S. Federal Reserve, and the World Bank. It also boasts five Nobel Prizes and five John Bates Clark Medals. The department is home to over 1,000 students who are encouraged to study abroad, participate in research, and take advantage of the many opportunities Berkeley has to offer.

Tuition: $32,845

Starting salary: $54,700

4. Georgia Institute of Technology

The B.S. in Economics degree at Georgia Tech requires a background in mathematics and statistics but lays a wide foundation, focusing on building skill sets leading to careers in management, the public sector, academics, the professions, and toward advanced degrees. This program includes 24 semester hours of required coursework and an additional 9 hours of upper-division economics electives. Students are also encouraged to use an additional 12 hours of non-major cluster electives and 20 hours of free electives to complete course sequences in Management, International Affairs, Public Policy, Mathematics, Statistics, or Industrial Engineering.

Tuition: $28,669

Starting salary: $60,700

3. University of Virginia

The undergraduate program in Economics at University of Virginia emphasizes applications of economic theory and statistical analysis to a wide variety of real-world events and arrangements in both the private sector and the public sector. Most graduates from this program will go directly into the workforce. On average, there are about 600 Economics majors. Intro classes start large (over 500 students) and higher level courses typically have 40-60 students.

Tuition: $27,485

Starting salary: $51,000

2. University of Texas at Austin

Located in the gorgeous capitol of Austin, the UT Austin’s Economics Department is the largest department within the College of Liberal Arts with over 1,700 undergraduate majors. The undergraduate program prepares students for professional careers in industry, finance, government, law, and teaching with over 50 sections of undergraduate courses. In this B.A. program, students will study the interaction of theory, data, and policy and cover a wide range of issues. Students are taught to think objectively and independently, apply math knowledge, and develop their writing skills. Students are also encouraged to become a part of the campus life through organizations such as the Texas Economics Association (TEA) and the Omicron Delta Epsilon (ODE).

Tuition: $25,721

Starting salary: $50,400

1. University of Michigan

Economics is the foundation of a variety of career opportunities, which has led many Michigan graduates on to successful careers in business, government, law, and education. In pursuing an economics concentration, students develop analytical skills, a strong quantitative background, and clarity and precision of thought and expression. Through this curriculum, students are prepared for graduate or professional studies in fields such as law, business administration, urban planning, social work, consumer advocacy, and natural resource management. Students are encouraged to be a part of the Michigan Economics Society and participate in undergraduate research.

Tuition: $29,017

Starting salary: $54,000

  1. Stanford University
    Location

    Stanford, CA

    Tuition

    $16562

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    Overview

    Stanford is a private Ivy League university in the heart of Californias Silicon Valley. Opened in 1891, Stanford has a distinguished history as a leader in learning, discovery, innovation, and discourse. The university enrolls over 7,000 undergraduate students and contains seven schools. One of the worlds top research universities, Stanford boasts a 4:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The prestigious university offers a rigorous bachelors degree in Economics.

    Program Features

    Stanford economics majors may choose from five different tracks or select a range of courses to earn the Bachelor of Arts in Economics. The 80-unit program introduces students to macro and micro economic theories. It also teaches students to analyze and write about economic problems and policy issues. Courses include:

    Basic Price Theory Econometrics Financial Markets and Institutions: Recent Developments Public Finance and Fiscal Policy The Economics of Labor Markets

    Notables

    Stanfords BA in Economics provides an excellent foundation for students planning to work in government or private enterprise and those who wish to pursue graduate degrees related to business or economics. Students must maintain a C or higher in all units applied toward the major.

  2. Harvard University
    Location

    Cambridge, MA

    Tuition

    $17030

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    Overview

    One of the most recognized names in higher education, Harvard is a private Ivy League research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It was established in 1636 and is the oldest college or university in the United States. Harvard enrolls 6,699 undergraduate students. The university boasts the worlds largest academic library and museums that hold over 28,000 works of art and artifacts. Harvard also offers a BA in Economics.

    Program Features

    Economics majors at Harvard are called economics concentrators. To earn a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, these students discover the analytical frameworks and tools of economics, learn to apply them, and investigate and analyze economic problems. Key requirements include mathematics preparation, principles of economics, intermediate theory courses, and statistics and econometrics. Students choose higher level courses and electives related to topics such as:

    Economic History Environmental Economics Game Theory/Decision Theory International Economics Behavioral Economics

    Notables

    Students have the flexibility to build a plan of study related to their academic and career goals. Up to two courses within the economics concentration can be taken as pass/fail. Graduates work in finance and consulting, business, and government. Others pursue graduate studies in business, law, or public policy.

  3. University of Chicago
    Location

    Chicago, IL

    Tuition

    $34834

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    Overview

    The University of Chicago is a private research university that has driven inquiry and innovation since 1890. The university is responsible for groundbreaking research and boasts 90 Nobel Prize winners, including six current faculty members. UCs 6,286 undergraduate students choose from 52 majors and 41 minors in the undergraduate college. One option is a BA in Economics.

    Program Features

    UChicagos Bachelor of Arts program in Economics equips students with the tools to understand and analyze the operation of a modern economy. Students explore economic models and price determination. They develop the ability to test these models predictions against real world information. Courses are grouped into the following categories:

    Fundamentals Core Curriculum Empirical Methods Sequence Economic Policy Course Electives

    Notables

    The BA in Economics is customizable. For instance, students can take mathematics and statistics courses at different levels based on their career aspirations. Students who are finishing work in all five course categories (listed above) during junior year may consider an independent research project.

  4. Baruch College
    Location

    New York, NY

    Tuition

    $4544

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    Overview

    One of the ten senior colleges of The City University of New York, Baruch College is a public research university in New York City. BothPrinceton ReviewandU.S. News and World Reportrank Baruch College among the best in the region and the nation. Located close to Wall Street, Baruch provides ample internship, networking, and career opportunities. Students may pursue a BA or a BBA in Economics.

    Program Features

    Baruch offers both a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics. Both options require similar courses, but the BA is more exclusively focused on economics. In addition to general education and prerequisite courses, students complete three core courses and five elective courses. These include:

    Statistical Analysis for Economics and Finance Urban Economic Structure Principles of Public Finance Evolution of Economic Thought Economic Analysis and Public Policy

    Notables

    Prerequisites for the economics major include Business Statistics I, Precalculus, and Elements of Calculus, in addition to Macroeconomics and Microeconomics. Baruch College also offers a liberal arts minor in economics and a business minor in economics and finance.

  5. Washington State University
    Location

    Pullman, WA

    Tuition

    $17885

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    Overview

    Founded in 1890, Washington State is a public research university based in Pullman, Washington. The civic-minded university aims to make higher education affordable and achievable. Its perhaps best known for research, citizenship, and a vast selection of opportunities, activities, and programs. The diverse undergraduate student body numbers over 25,000. WSU offers over 250 degree programs, including a BS in Economic Sciences.

    Program Features

    WSUs Bachelor of Science in Economic Sciences provides students with advanced data analysis, communication, and critical thinking skills. Majors study microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics. Students can choose to apply this knowledge in a variety of specializations, including business economics, quantitative economics, international economics, agricultural economics, environmental economics, and more. Core courses include:

    Intermediate Microeconomics Intermediate Macroeconomics Introductory Econometrics Economics Capstone Internship, Special Problems, or Study Abroad

    Notables

    According to their individual interests, students pursue elective coursework in business, agriculture, mathematics, history, and political science. Graduates enjoy careers as economists, statisticians, data analysts, advisors, revenue agents, and loan officers. The degree is also top-notch preparation for graduate studies in business, law, or economics.

  6. Oregon State University
    Location

    Corvallis, OR

    Tuition

    $19205

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    Overview

    Located in Corvallis, Oregon, Oregon State is a public research university that was founded in 1868. It is recognized as both a Best Value university and a top university byU.S. News and World Report. OSU enrolls over 24,000 on-campus students. With more than 200 degree programs, OSU offers something for everyone. For those interested in the intersection of social science and mathematics, theres a BA in Economics.

    Program Features

    OSUs Bachelor of Arts in Economics program enhances students verbal and written communication, problem-solving skills, and quantitative analysis abilities. The program is available both on campus and through the eCampus. Students complete courses on economic principles, calculus, microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, statistics, econometrics, and 19 additional credits of approved economics courses. Core courses include:

    Introduction to Economic Research Public Policy Analysis Economics of Traditional and Renewable Energy Advanced Microeconomic Theory Advanced Macroeconomic Theory

    Notables

    Students must maintain an overall 2.0 or higher and receive a grade of C or better in all required upper-division courses. Four credits of self-study may be counted toward the economics degree. Oregon State also offers interdisciplinary Managerial Economics and Law, Economics, and Policy options, in addition to a Mathematical Economics option and an Economics minor.

  7. Liberty University
    Location

    Lynchburg, VA

    Tuition

    $26954

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    Overview

    Liberty University is a private non-profit Christian university headquartered in Lynchburg, Virginia. The school provides a values-based education that equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to make an impact on society. Including students enrolled online, Libertys total enrollment exceeds 100,000. Virginias largest university, Liberty offers more than 600 programs of study. This includes a BSBA in Economics.

    Program Features

    The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration: Economics program covers both macro and micro theory. Students explore monetary policies, the effects of the national debt, budget deficits, economics, and banking. They also learn about how businesses operate, including various types of competition and the functions of supply and demand. Students take courses such as:

    Modern Political and Economic Ideas Money and the Financial System Business and Economic Forecasting International Market Integration and Trade Agreements International Business

    Notables

    Students also complete a variety of business core classes such as Principles of Management, Business Law, Human Resources Management, and Organizational Ethics. Graduates may pursue graduate study or go straight into careers as economists, actuaries, sales analysts, and more. This program is also available online.

  8. Pennsylvania State University
    Location

    University Park, PA

    Tuition

    $25346

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    Overview

    More commonly known as Penn State, Pennsylvania State University is a top public research university in Centre County, Pennsylvania. Penn State enrolls 100,000 students across 24 campuses. The top 25 research university provides access to state-of-the-art resources and interdisciplinary pursuits in collaborative environments. Among Penn States 275 baccalaureate degree programs are a BA and a BS in Economics.

    Program Features

    Penn State students may earn either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in Economics. The BA involves university-wide BA requirements, and students must reach the 12th-credit level of proficiency in a foreign language. The BS requires more specific quantitative skills courses. Both programs require core economics courses like:

    Intermediate Microeconomic Analysis and Policy Intermediate Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy Statistical Foundation for Econometrics Introduction to Econometrics

    Notables

    The economics department offers a mentoring program called CARE (Career in Academic Research in Economics) for high-achieving undergraduate students who wish to pursue graduate studies in economics. There is also an honors program providing opportunities for independent research.

  9. Lehman College
    Location

    Bronx, NY

    Tuition

    $2939

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    Overview

    Located in the Bronx, New York City, Lehman College became part of the City University of New York in 1968. Lehman has a diverse student body of 14,000 students and offers more than 90 academic programs. The school provides a dynamic research environment and actively engages students in their academic, professional, and personal development. Lehman offers a BA in Economics.

    Program Features

    Lehmans Bachelor of Arts in Economics builds student understanding of processes, trends, and structures in the private and public economy. Students also gain theoretical and practical training in economic analysis and the management of economic issues. In this program, you can expect to take courses like:

    Consumer Economics Public Economics Money and Banking Industrial Organization and Regulation International Economics

    Notables

    This program is available both on campus and online. The major requirements total 35 credits: 23 core course credits in economic analysis and quantitative methods, in addition to 12 credits of elective courses related to economics.

  10. Utah State University
    Location

    Logan, UT

    Tuition

    $12338

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    Overview

    Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utahs only land grant university. Its located in Logan, Utah and enrolls nearly 28,000 students. The thriving research university is recognized for its intellectual and technological leadership. The affordable university provides big-school opportunities with a small-school feel. Plus, its just minutes from two mountain ranges and a short drive away from six national parks. Utah State offers a BS and a BA in Economics.

    Program Features

    Utah State students may choose to pursue either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in Economics. The main difference is that the BA has a foreign language requirement. Both programs provide a strong foundation in economic theory and research. Courses include:

    Introduction to Economic Institutions, History, and Principles Applied Econometrics Managerial Economics Introduction to Global Economic Institutions and Business Environment Business Statistics

    Notables

    Utah State has four emphases tracks: Economic Theory, Prelaw Economics, International Economics and Trade, and Managerial Economics. An emphasis is not required. Students may also choose to pursue a double major in both accounting and economics.

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