Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees 2025

Badge for BEST FOR ECONOMICS RESEARCH UNIVERSITIES
By Dr. James Barham and Dr. James Barham
Published:
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 2025

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

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the best research universities economics programs saw a large amount of shuffling. The University of California, Berkeley was able to move up to the second ranking position as the university expanded its Behavioral Economics Research Lab, offering students opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research on decision-making, market behavior, and policy impact. Additionally, Berkeley has added new interdisciplinary courses that integrate economics with data science, artificial intelligence, and public policy, providing students with skills to address modern economic challenges.

The university has also strengthened its industry partnerships, offering Economics students enhanced internship and job placement opportunities with leading financial institutions, tech companies, and governmental organizations. These updates provide a comprehensive and forward-thinking education for economics students.

Featured Programs

Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees

  1. #1

    Harvard University

    Cambridge , MA
    #1 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025 #1 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #1 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #1 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    3%

    Graduation

    98%

    Student body

    39K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/35

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at Harvard University

    Cost of Degree: $59,076
    Expenses: $27,629
    Starting Salary: $149,005
    Salary after 4 years: $196,249
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 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 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #1 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #1 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    48K

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at University of California, Berkeley

    Cost of Degree: $14,850
    Expenses: $30,203
    Starting Salary: $74,147
    Salary after 4 years: $97,590
    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 2025 #2 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #3 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $66K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    37K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at Columbia University

    Cost of Degree: $68,171
    Expenses: $20,542
    Starting Salary: $123,832
    Salary after 4 years: $163,094
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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 2025 #3 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #4 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    20K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1540/34

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at Stanford University

    Cost of Degree: $62,484
    Expenses: $25,349
    Starting Salary: $151,362
    Salary after 4 years: $199,353
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 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 2025 #4 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #4 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #5 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $64K

    Acceptance

    5%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    21K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1540/34

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at University of Chicago

    Cost of Degree: $65,619
    Expenses: $23,421
    Starting Salary: $110,334
    Salary after 4 years: $145,317
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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 2025 #5 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #6 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025 #6 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    5%

    Graduation

    98%

    Student body

    16K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1540/34

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at Yale University

    Cost of Degree: $64,700
    Expenses: $23,600
    Starting Salary: $133,258
    Salary after 4 years: $175,509
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 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 2025 #6 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #7 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at Princeton University

    Cost of Degree: $59,710
    Expenses: $24,330
    Starting Salary: $124,581
    Salary after 4 years: $164,081
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 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 2025 #7 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #8 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1555/35

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $60,156
    Expenses: $22,574
    Starting Salary: $164,537
    Salary after 4 years: $216,706
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 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 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #2 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #2 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    18%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    52K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/32

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at University of Michigan

    Cost of Degree: $18,309
    Expenses: $17,554
    Starting Salary: $74,147
    Salary after 4 years: $97,590
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 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 2025 #8 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #10 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025 #10 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    87%

    Student body

    65K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at New York University

    Cost of Degree: $60,438
    Expenses: $27,314
    Starting Salary: $84,197
    Salary after 4 years: $110,893
    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 2025 #6 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #9 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #9 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    26K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at Cornell University

    Cost of Degree: $66,014
    Expenses: $22,126
    Starting Salary: $108,406
    Salary after 4 years: $142,778
    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 2025 #10 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #10 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    33K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at University of Pennsylvania

    Cost of Degree: $66,104
    Expenses: $22,924
    Starting Salary: $140,971
    Salary after 4 years: $185,667
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 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 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #3 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #3 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #3 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    49K

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

    Cost of Degree: $13,747
    Expenses: $24,284
    Starting Salary: $68,703
    Salary after 4 years: $90,425
    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 2025 #11 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #11 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #14 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    40K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1545/34

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at Johns Hopkins University

    Cost of Degree: $62,840
    Expenses: $22,725
    Starting Salary: $95,659
    Salary after 4 years: $125,989
    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 2025 #8 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #12 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #12 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    3%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at California Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $63,255
    Expenses: $23,631
    Starting Salary: $113,869
    Salary after 4 years: $149,973
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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

    Duke University

    Durham , NC
    #1 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #1 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #6 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #13 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    18K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1530/34

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at Duke University

    Cost of Degree: $65,805
    Expenses: $21,267
    Starting Salary: $122,653
    Salary after 4 years: $161,542
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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
  20. #17

    University of Southern California

    Los Angeles , CA
    #9 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #14 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #14 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #17 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    54K

    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: $95,123
    Salary after 4 years: $125,283
    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
  21. #18

    Northwestern University

    Evanston , IL
    #14 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #15 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #15 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #18 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    27K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1530/34

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at Northwestern University

    Cost of Degree: $65,997
    Expenses: $25,293
    Starting Salary: $100,051
    Salary after 4 years: $131,773
    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
  22. #19

    Carnegie Mellon University

    Pittsburgh , PA
    #10 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #15 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #16 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #16 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    16K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1530/34

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at Carnegie Mellon University

    Cost of Degree: $63,274
    Expenses: $19,868
    Starting Salary: $110,334
    Salary after 4 years: $145,317
    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 #16 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #17 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #17 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    5%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/35

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at Brown University

    Cost of Degree: $68,230
    Expenses: $19,418
    Starting Salary: $95,445
    Salary after 4 years: $125,706
    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 2024 #17 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #18 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #18 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1485/33

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at Georgetown University

    Cost of Degree: $65,081
    Expenses: $23,660
    Starting Salary: $134,115
    Salary after 4 years: $176,638
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 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
    #5 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #8 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #8 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #8 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $21K

    Acceptance

    19%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    29K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1470/33

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at University of Virginia

    Cost of Degree: $22,323
    Expenses: $18,940
    Starting Salary: $74,522
    Salary after 4 years: $98,084
    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
    #18 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #20 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #21 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #24 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1540/34

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at Dartmouth College

    Cost of Degree: $65,511
    Expenses: $22,054
    Starting Salary: $118,047
    Salary after 4 years: $155,475
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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 2025 #24 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #25 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    39%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1465/32

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at University of Rochester

    Cost of Degree: $64,348
    Expenses: $21,614
    Starting Salary: $79,591
    Salary after 4 years: $104,826
    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: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  30. #25

    Tufts University

    Medford , MA
    #24 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #24 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #4 Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    10%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    16K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1500/34

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at Tufts University

    Cost of Degree: $67,844
    Expenses: $20,456
    Starting Salary: $110,656
    Salary after 4 years: $145,740
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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

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Career Outlook for Students with Economics Degree

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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: 2.90%
  • Number of Jobs: 2,434,100
  • * 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

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