Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees 2026

Badge for BEST FOR ECONOMICS RESEARCH UNIVERSITIES
By Dr. James Barham and Dr. James Barham
Updated:

The best economics research universities are those with rich histories of influence, proven through the work produced by the program’s faculty and alumni. Beyond demonstrating scholarly impact in the field, the best economics degree programs maximize your opportunities to interact with outstanding economics faculty.

Key Takeaways

  • Top universities for economics offer interdisciplinary courses that integrate economics with fields like data science, public policy, and finance, allowing students to apply economic principles to diverse areas and industries.
  • The universities in this ranking have renowned faculty members who are leaders in the field of economics, providing students with opportunities to participate in groundbreaking research and collaborate on real-world economic issues.
  • These institutions typically have strong ties to international organizations, governmental agencies, and financial institutions, offering students valuable internships and networking opportunities to enhance their career prospects in economics.

Top 10 Research Universities Economics Programs in 2026

  1. Harvard University
  2. University of California, Berkeley
  3. Columbia University
  4. Stanford University
  5. University of Chicago
  6. Yale University
  7. Princeton University
  8. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  9. University of Michigan
  10. New York University

Featured Programs

Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees

  1. #1

    Harvard University

    Cambridge , MA
    #1 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #1 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #1 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026 #1 Best Universities in the World 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    38K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1545/35

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at Harvard University

    Cost of Degree: $59,076
    Expenses: $27,629
    Starting Salary: $108,781
    Salary after 4 years: $143,271
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Harvard University known for?

    Harvard University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Harvard University Economics Majors

    • Behavioral Economics
    • Industrial Organization
    • Political Economy
    • Economic Development
    • International Economics
    • Public Economics
    • Econometrics
    • Theory
    • Labor Economics
    • Financial Economics
    • Macroeconomics
    • Economic History

    Source

    Compare school
  2. #2

    University of California, Berkeley

    Berkeley , CA
    #1 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2026 #1 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #1 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2026 #1 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    49K

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at University of California, Berkeley

    Cost of Degree: $14,850
    Expenses: $30,203
    Starting Salary: $75,601
    Salary after 4 years: $99,503
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of California, Berkeley known for?

    University of California, Berkeley’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of California, Berkeley Economics Major

    • Economics

    Source

    Compare school
  3. #3

    Columbia University

    New York , NY
    #2 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #2 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #2 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026 #3 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online

    Tuition + fees

    $74K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    39K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1545/34

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at Columbia University

    Cost of Degree: $68,171
    Expenses: $20,542
    Starting Salary: $97,607
    Salary after 4 years: $128,555
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Columbia University known for?

    Columbia University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Columbia University Economics Majors

    • Economics
    • Financial Economics
    • Joint with Math
    • Joint with Philosophy
    • Joint with Political Science
    • Joint with Statistics

    Source

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  4. #4

    Stanford University

    Stanford , CA
    #3 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #3 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #3 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026 #4 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $69K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    21K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1545/34

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at Stanford University

    Cost of Degree: $62,484
    Expenses: $25,349
    Starting Salary: $111,798
    Salary after 4 years: $147,245
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Stanford University known for?

    Stanford University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Stanford University Economics Majors

    • Behavioral and Experimental
    • Finance
    • International and Development
    • Policy
    • Research
    • Strategy

    Source

    Compare school
  6. #5

    University of Chicago

    Chicago , IL
    #4 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #4 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026 #5 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026 #5 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $74K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    21K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1545/34

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at University of Chicago

    Cost of Degree: $65,619
    Expenses: $23,421
    Starting Salary: $92,650
    Salary after 4 years: $122,025
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Chicago known for?

    University of Chicago’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Chicago Economics Major Specializations

    • BA in Economics – Business Economics BA in Economics – Data Science

    Source

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Yale University

    New Haven , CT
    #5 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #5 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026 #6 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026 #6 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $70K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    17K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at Yale University

    Cost of Degree: $64,700
    Expenses: $23,600
    Starting Salary: $105,569
    Salary after 4 years: $139,041
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Yale University known for?

    Yale University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Yale University Economics Majors

    • Computer Science and Economics
    • Economics and Math
    • Economics

    Source

    Compare school
  8. #7

    Princeton University

    Princeton , NJ
    #4 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #6 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #6 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026 #7 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $66K

    Acceptance

    5%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1545/34

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at Princeton University

    Cost of Degree: $59,710
    Expenses: $24,330
    Starting Salary: $119,097
    Salary after 4 years: $156,858
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Princeton University known for?

    Princeton University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Princeton University Economics Major

    • Program in Political Economy
    • Certificate in Finance

    Source

    Compare school
  9. #8

    Massachusetts Institute of Technology

    Cambridge , MA
    #5 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #7 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #7 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026 #8 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    5%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1550/35

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $60,156
    Expenses: $22,574
    Starting Salary: $136,071
    Salary after 4 years: $179,214
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Massachusetts Institute of Technology known for?

    Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Massachusetts Institute of Technology Economics Majors

    • Computer Science
    • Economics
    • Data Science
    • Economics
    • Mathematical Economics

    Source

    Compare school
  10. #9

    University of Michigan

    Ann Arbor , MI
    #2 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2026 #2 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #2 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2026 #2 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    16%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    54K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1445/32

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at University of Michigan

    Cost of Degree: $18,309
    Expenses: $17,554
    Starting Salary: $70,033
    Salary after 4 years: $92,176
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Michigan known for?

    University of Michigan’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Michigan Economics Major

    • Economics

    Source

    Compare school
  12. #10

    New York University

    New York , NY
    #8 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #8 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026 #10 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026 #10 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $66K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    64K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at New York University

    Cost of Degree: $60,438
    Expenses: $27,314
    Starting Salary: $81,130
    Salary after 4 years: $106,853
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is New York University known for?

    New York University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    New York University Economics Majors

    • Economics
    • Minor in Economics
    • Honors Program
    • Bachelor’s/Master’s Program

    Source

    Compare school
  13. #11

    Cornell University

    Ithaca , NY
    #1 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2026 #6 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #9 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #9 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $72K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    27K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at Cornell University

    Cost of Degree: $66,014
    Expenses: $22,126
    Starting Salary: $101,265
    Salary after 4 years: $133,372
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Cornell University known for?

    Cornell University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Cornell University Economics Major

    • Economics

    Source

    Compare school
  14. #12

    University of Pennsylvania

    Philadelphia , PA
    #5 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #10 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #10 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026 #12 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $71K

    Acceptance

    5%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    33K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1540/35

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at University of Pennsylvania

    Cost of Degree: $66,104
    Expenses: $22,924
    Starting Salary: $108,540
    Salary after 4 years: $142,954
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Pennsylvania known for?

    University of Pennsylvania’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Pennsylvania Economics Majors

    • Economics
    • Mathematical Economics
    • Economics Minor
    • Economic Policy Minor

    Source

    Compare school
  15. #13

    University of California, Los Angeles

    Los Angeles , CA
    #3 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2026 #3 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #3 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2026 #3 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    49K

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at University of California, Los Angeles

    Cost of Degree: $13,747
    Expenses: $24,284
    Starting Salary: $66,826
    Salary after 4 years: $87,955
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of California, Los Angeles known for?

    University of California, Los Angeles’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    UCLA Economics Majors

    • Economics
    • Business Economics

    Source

    Compare school
  16. #14

    Johns Hopkins University

    Baltimore , MD
    #11 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #11 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026 #14 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026 #14 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $67K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    39K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1545/35

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at Johns Hopkins University

    Cost of Degree: $62,840
    Expenses: $22,725
    Starting Salary: $93,290
    Salary after 4 years: $122,869
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Johns Hopkins University known for?

    Johns Hopkins University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Johns Hopkins University Economics Major

    • Economics

    Source

    Compare school
  18. #15

    California Institute of Technology

    Pasadena , CA
    #1 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #8 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #12 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #12 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $68K

    Acceptance

    3%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at California Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $63,255
    Expenses: $23,631
    Starting Salary: $148,638
    Salary after 4 years: $195,765
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is California Institute of Technology known for?

    California Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    California Institute of Technology Economics Major

    • Economics

    Source

    Compare school
  19. #16

    Northwestern University

    Evanston , IL
    #13 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #13 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026 #16 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026 #16 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $71K

    Acceptance

    8%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    27K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1540/34

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at Northwestern University

    Cost of Degree: $65,997
    Expenses: $25,293
    Starting Salary: $92,991
    Salary after 4 years: $122,475
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Northwestern University known for?

    Northwestern University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Northwestern University Economics Majors

    • Economics
    • BA/MA program

    Source

    Compare school
  20. #17

    Duke University

    Durham , NC
    #1 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2026 #1 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2026 #6 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #14 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $73K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    18K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at Duke University

    Cost of Degree: $65,805
    Expenses: $21,267
    Starting Salary: $101,627
    Salary after 4 years: $133,849
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Duke University known for?

    Duke University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Duke University Economics Majors

    • BS in Economics
    • BS in Economics – Finance
    • BA in Economics

    Source

    Compare school
  21. #18

    University of Southern California

    Los Angeles , CA
    #9 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #15 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #15 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026 #18 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $75K

    Acceptance

    10%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    52K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1500/33

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at University of Southern California

    Cost of Degree: $68,237
    Expenses: $22,216
    Starting Salary: $92,246
    Salary after 4 years: $121,494
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Southern California known for?

    University of Southern California’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Southern California Economics Majors

    • BS Economics and Data Science
    • BA Economics
    • BS Economics Mathematics
    • BA Political Economy
    • BA Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
    • BA Social Science emphasis in Economics

    Source

    Compare school
  22. #19

    Carnegie Mellon University

    Pittsburgh , PA
    #10 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #16 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #16 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026 #19 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $69K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    17K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at Carnegie Mellon University

    Cost of Degree: $63,274
    Expenses: $19,868
    Starting Salary: $111,724
    Salary after 4 years: $147,148
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Carnegie Mellon University known for?

    Carnegie Mellon University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Carnegie Mellon University Economics Majors

    • BA in Economics
    • BS in Economics
    • BS in Economics and Politics
    • BS in Economics and Mathematical Sciences
    • BS in Economics and Statistics

    Source

    Compare school
  24. #20

    Brown University

    Providence , RI
    #10 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #17 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #17 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026 #20 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $75K

    Acceptance

    5%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    12K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1545/34

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at Brown University

    Cost of Degree: $68,230
    Expenses: $19,418
    Starting Salary: $89,173
    Salary after 4 years: $117,446
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Brown University known for?

    Brown University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Brown University Economics Majors

    • AB Economics
    • AB Economics – Business track
    • AB Applied Math-Economics – Advanced Economics track
    • ScB Applied Math-Economics – Advanced Economics track
    • AB Applied Math-Economics – Mathematical Finance track
    • ScB Applied Math-Economics – Mathematical Finance track
    • AB Mathematics-Economics concentration
    • AB Computer Science-Economics concentration
    • ScB Computer Science-Economics concentration

    Source

    Compare school
  25. #21

    Georgetown University

    Washington , DC
    #2 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2026 #18 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #18 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026 #21 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $71K

    Acceptance

    13%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    23K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1470/33

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at Georgetown University

    Cost of Degree: $65,081
    Expenses: $23,660
    Starting Salary: $98,576
    Salary after 4 years: $129,830
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Georgetown University known for?

    Georgetown University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Georgetown University Economics Majors

    • Economics
    • Political Economy

    Source

    Compare school
  26. #22

    University of Virginia

    Charlottesville , VA
    #7 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #8 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #8 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2026 #8 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $22K

    Acceptance

    17%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    30K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1475/33

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at University of Virginia

    Cost of Degree: $22,323
    Expenses: $18,940
    Starting Salary: $72,776
    Salary after 4 years: $95,786
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Virginia known for?

    University of Virginia’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Virginia Economics Major Concentrations

    • Financial Economics
    • Industrial Organization
    • International Economics
    • Public Policy

    Source

    Compare school
  27. #23

    Dartmouth College

    Hanover , NH
    #20 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #21 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026 #24 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026 #1 Best Research Universities in New Hampshire 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $72K

    Acceptance

    5%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at Dartmouth College

    Cost of Degree: $65,511
    Expenses: $22,054
    Starting Salary: $99,152
    Salary after 4 years: $130,589
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Dartmouth College known for?

    Dartmouth College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Dartmouth College Economics Major

    • Economics Major and Minor

    Source

    Compare school
  28. #24

    University of Rochester

    Rochester , NY
    #22 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #24 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2026 #4 Best Private Colleges in New York 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $70K

    Acceptance

    40%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1475/32

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at University of Rochester

    Cost of Degree: $64,348
    Expenses: $21,614
    Starting Salary: $78,812
    Salary after 4 years: $103,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Rochester known for?

    University of Rochester’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Rochester Economics Majors

    • BA in Economics
    • BA Financial Economics

    Source

    University of Rochester’s Online Degrees

    BSN in RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: 4.5-5.5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  30. #25

    Tufts University

    Medford , MA
    #23 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #25 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2026 #4 Best Colleges in Massachusetts 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $74K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1515/34

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at Tufts University

    Cost of Degree: $67,844
    Expenses: $20,456
    Starting Salary: $79,551
    Salary after 4 years: $104,774
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Tufts University known for?

    Tufts University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Tufts University Economics Majors

    • BA in Economics
    • BA/BS in Quantitative Economics
    • BS/MS in Economics

    Source

    Compare school

Career Outlook for Students with Economics Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Economics

Degree Level: Bachelor's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Cost of Degree*: $12,136
  • Avg. Expenses*: $18,134
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $48,072
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $63,272
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 10 years
  • Job Growth: 6.73%
  • Number of Jobs: 2,266,100
  • * denotes ‘annually’
  • ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Managers, All Other5.75%$133,560
Economists5.14%$115,730
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary3.23%$115,300
Data Scientists36.03%$108,020
Statisticians11.73%$104,110

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Managers, All Other$133,560
Economists$115,730
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary$115,300
Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Department of Education College Scorecard, The Department of Education NCES, and The Council for Community and Economic Research.

A bachelor’s degree in economics is an excellent starting point for a career in finance, policy development, marketing, and a host of other highly lucrative fields. As an economics major, you’ll study production, consumption, wealth transfer, and the way these activities relate to policy and governance. Your economics degree will also incorporate such core principles of monetary policy, budget planning, and cost analysis. The best schools for economics are those which are regionally accredited, which offer a full array of economics concentrations, and which give you the chance to work with the best and most influential professors and classmates.

Degree popularity: Economics bachelor’s degrees are the 35th most popular undergraduate degrees across all student demographics. It’s most popular among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders men and women, for whom it ranks as the 17th most desired degree according to the number of degree earners reported by the National Center for Educational Statistics

If you think a liberal arts college may be a better fit for you, see our ranking of the best liberal arts colleges for a bachelor’s in economics.

Go to all Research Universities for Economics programs

The Best Economics Schools in Your State

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