Best Online MBA in Economics Degree Programs Ranked in 2024
Key Takeaways
- The online MBA in economics degree is a highly respected degree.
- Online economics MBA programs can lead to roles in economics, finance, and business leadership.
- The online MBA program in economics is only offered by a select number of excellent business schools.
Best Online MBA in Economics Degrees
- Johns Hopkins University
- Manhattan College
- Park University
- Saginaw Valley State University
- Northwood University
- Johns Hopkins University
- Manhattan College
- Park University
- Saginaw Valley State University
- Northwood University
- Manhattan College 82%
- Northwood University 80%
- Saginaw Valley State University 76%
- Johns Hopkins University 7%
- Saginaw Valley State University 16 to 1
- Park University 14 to 1
- Manhattan College 11 to 1
- Northwood University 8 to 1
- Johns Hopkins University 6 to 1
- Johns Hopkins University $60,480
- Manhattan College $48,658
- Northwood University $31,600
- Park University $12,671
- Saginaw Valley State University $11,565
- Johns Hopkins University $60,480
- Northwood University $37,080
- Manhattan College $21,420
- Saginaw Valley State University $16,362
- Park University $6,663
- Northwood University
- Saginaw Valley State University
- Park University
- Manhattan College
- Johns Hopkins University
- Northwood University
- Saginaw Valley State University
- Park University
- Manhattan College
- Johns Hopkins University
- Johns Hopkins University 7%
- Saginaw Valley State University 76%
- Northwood University 80%
- Manhattan College 82%
- Johns Hopkins University 6 to 1
- Northwood University 8 to 1
- Manhattan College 11 to 1
- Park University 14 to 1
- Saginaw Valley State University 16 to 1
- Saginaw Valley State University $11,565
- Park University $12,671
- Northwood University $31,600
- Manhattan College $48,658
- Johns Hopkins University $60,480
- Park University $6,663
- Saginaw Valley State University $16,362
- Manhattan College $21,420
- Northwood University $37,080
- Johns Hopkins University $60,480
Featured Programs
Online MBA programs with an economics specialization are highly regarded. However, there are only a few business schools that actually offer these fully online MBA programs. In most cases, a master’s degree is required to become an economist. For working professionals, the online master’s degree in business economics is the most convenient and flexible option.
The list of options for online MBA students with a business economics specialization is limited. However, prospective students who do pursue the economics concentration will be in line for some very well paying job opportunities.
Many students who earn an online MBA in economics will become economists. However, there are numerous related career paths that you could take including strategic management, human resources management, and business and nonprofit management.
You can jump to our complete University Rankings Guide. Otherwise, read on.
About Online MBA in Economics Degree Programs
Graduate students from top online MBA programs in economics will study topics such as labor economics, risk management, marketing strategy, and more.
These skills can easily be transferred to future management career opportunities throughout the business world including professional sales management, human resource management, and business management.
In most cases, however, the online MBA in economics is designed to prepare you for a career in economics, whether within a company, consulting the federal government, or working in education or research.
This advanced degree can lead to immediate and well-paying opportunities in the field. Economists are capable of earning a median salary of $103,630 a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Admission Requirements for the Online MBA in Economics
Schools that offer an online MBA in economics have different admission requirements.
These are the admission requirements common to schools offering the online MBA in economics:
- A completed online application
- An accredited bachelor’s degree
- Official college transcripts
- A cumulative college GPA of 3.0 - 3.5
- Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) Score or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Score
- Personal statement or essay
- Reference Letters
- Professional Resume or CV
Key Point: Some programs might also require an interview process.
Learn more about online MBA admission requirements.
Curriculum and Courses
Schools offering the online MBA in economics have different courses, although there are similarities in programs. Online students are typically required to complete core courses in business strategy and economics, as well as electives and an individualized capstone project.
Online MBA courses typically include:
- Economic Theory
- Global Economics
- Local Economic Development
- Consumer Behavior
- Risk Management
- International Business
- Human Resources
- Health Economics
- Business Analytics
Key Point: Online MBA economics programs will cover topics such as global economics, business analytics, and consumer behavior.
Learn how to find accredited online MBA programs.
The Best Online MBA in Economics Degree Programs
- #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 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
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: $65,956Expenses: $22,725Starting Salary: $84,013Salary after 4 years: $110,124Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Johns Hopkins University known for?
Johns Hopkins University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
What do we love about Johns Hopkins University?
Johns Hopkins University was formed in 1876 and, in addition to being the oldest research university in the U.S., Johns Hopkins is actually the oldest research institution in the western hemisphere! In fact, Johns Hopkins was considered a groundbreaking institution from its very formation for its innovative merging of research and teaching.
Based in Baltimore, Maryland, Johns Hopkins serves more than 26,000 students today.
- Johns Hopkins University is great for students who:
Are looking to conduct research at the graduate level. The vast majority of Johns Hopkins students—well over 20,000—are pursuing advanced postgraduate degrees.
- Johns Hopkins University might not be the best fit for students who:
Are seeking a social campus experience. Many students at Johns Hopkins are primarily focused on their rigorous academic demands.
- Johns Hopkins University is great for students who:
- #10 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2025 #3 Best Christian Colleges in New York 2024 #10 Best Small Colleges in New York 2025 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Nursing Degrees
Tuition + fees
$49K
Acceptance
82%
Graduation
72%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1235/26
Career Outlook for Economics degree at Manhattan College
Cost of Degree: $22,600Expenses: $21,740Starting Salary: $66,609Salary after 4 years: $87,310Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Manhattan College known for?
Manhattan College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Literature
- Business
- Religious Studies
- Physics
- History
- Chemistry
- Education
Most Influential Alumni
What do we love about Manhattan College?
Manhattan College, in spite of its name, is actually located in the Riverside section of the Bronx, and not in Manhattan. Manhattan College was founded in 1853 as the Academy of the Holy Infancy. The college was originally formed as a day school exclusive to men and located on Canal Street in Lower Manhattan.
Manhattan College relocated to its present location in 1922, became coeducational in 1973, and today serves roughly 3500 students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Manhattan College is particularly noted today for its excellence in engineering.
- Manhattan College is great for students who:
Like a more intimate experience. The class sizes are smaller which means students enjoy personal access to professors.
- Manhattan College might not be the best fit for students who:
Are on a fixed budget. Manhattan College residential costs and general living expenses reflect the high cost of living in New York City.
- #20 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #7 Best Private Colleges in Missouri 2025 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Missouri 2025 #1 Best Online Associate in Building and Construction Degree Programs
Tuition + fees
$13K
Graduation
23%
Student body
12K
Career Outlook for Economics degree at Park University
Cost of Degree: $7,942Expenses: $14,178Starting Salary: $47,793Salary after 4 years: $62,646Cost Recoup Time: 5 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Park University known for?
Park University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Medical
- Nursing
- Psychology
- Education
- Literature
- Engineering
- Political Science
- Social Work
- Business
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
What do we love about Park University?
Park University was founded in 1875 as an experimental institution where students could receive free tuition and housing in exchange for just half-day’s work on either the school’s farm, print shop, or electrical shop. Tuition is no longer free, but with an annual price tag of just over $12,000, the Parkville, Missouri institution is affordable relative to many other private universities.
Park University’s inaugural coeducational class was made up of just 17 people. Today, Park University is home to well over 11,000 students at both the graduate and undergraduate levels.
- Park University is great for students who:
Enjoy small class sizes and direct engagement with professors.
- Park University might not be the best fit for students who:
Are interested in college sports. Park University has a modest athletics program.
- #15 Best Online Master's in Economics 2025 #16 Best Online Master's Programs in Michigan 2025 #16 Best Online MBA Programs in Michigan
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
76%
Graduation
50%
Student body
8K
Median SAT/ACT
1075/22
Career Outlook for Economics degree at Saginaw Valley State University
Cost of Degree: $17,328Expenses: $14,040Starting Salary: $57,115Salary after 4 years: $66,162Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Saginaw Valley State University known for?
Saginaw Valley State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Social Work
- Criminal Justice
- Education
- Business
- Mathematics
- Political Science
- Engineering
- History
- Literature
Most Influential Alumni
What do we love about Saginaw Valley State University?
Saginaw Valley State University was formed in 1963 as Saginaw Valley College. The University Center, Michigan-based public university is noted today for its excellent programs in areas like teaching, nursing, business, and engineering.
Saginaw Valley ascended to university status in 1987 and today, serves more than 8000 students with more than 100 degree programs at both the undergraduate and graduate degree levels.
- Saginaw Valley State University is great for students who:
Prioritize a welcoming campus atmosphere. Students describe support services as helpful and friendly, and praise the school’s overall diversity.
- Saginaw Valley State University might not be the best fit for students who:
Are seeking a larger campus experience. Students describe the school and student body as small in size, which may limit networking opportunities.
- #4 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Michigan #9 Best Online Colleges in Michigan 2024 #14 Best Online MBA Programs in Michigan #14 Best Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs for 2024
Tuition + fees
$32K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
63%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1055/20
Career Outlook for Economics degree at Northwood University
Cost of Degree: $37,980Expenses: $16,938Starting Salary: $51,650Salary after 4 years: $67,702Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Northwood University known for?
Northwood University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
What do we love about Northwood University?
Northwood University was founded in 1959. Its first class of graduates actually attended classes in a 19th Century mansion located in Alma, Michigan. By 1961, Northwood had moved to its present-day location in Midland, Michigan.
Northwood’s initial class was made up of roughly 100 students. Today, Northwood serves more than 3500 undergraduates and graduates, the majority of whom are non-residential students.
- Northwood University is great for students who:
Are pursuing careers in business. Northwood is noted for its excellent business administration programs and intimate class sizes, especially in the area of adult education.
- Northwood University might not be the best fit for students who:
Are seeking a more lively campus experience. Students describe Northwood as a beautiful but quiet campus.
- Northwood University is great for students who:
Career Outlook for Students with Economics Degree
Go to Degree Finder toolEconomics
Degree Level: Master's
- Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
- Avg. Cost of Degree*: $14,411
- Avg. Expenses*: $19,822
- Avg. Starting Salary*: $75,311
- Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $87,240
- Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 5 years
- Job Growth: 2.90%
- Number of Jobs: 2,434,100
- * denotes ‘annually’
- ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’
Career Salaries
| Career | Job Growth | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Managers, All Other | 5.75% | $133,560 |
| Economists | 5.14% | $115,730 |
| Economics Teachers, Postsecondary | 3.23% | $115,300 |
| Data Scientists | 36.03% | $108,020 |
| Statisticians | 11.73% | $104,110 |
Top Industries
| Industry | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|
| Managers, All Other | $133,560 |
| Economists | $115,730 |
| Economics Teachers, Postsecondary | $115,300 |
Factors for Choosing MBA in Economics Online Programs
If you aspire to a career in economics, you must be sure that you can tackle the challenges of an accredited online MBA in economics program.
Choosing from among the best online MBA programs will help to make your professional journey easier by allowing you to balance your pursuit of an advanced degree with any existing professional demands.
Furthermore, an online degree program in a reputable college or university should have the integrity, reputation, and track record to convince employers that their graduates deserve a place in the employer’s organization.
Here are the factors that you need to consider when choosing a school that offers the online MBA in economics degree:
- Accreditation: Accreditation is vital. It signifies that the school’s education is in compliance with the standards of the Department of Education and the accrediting body. A school must also be accredited in order to offer federal financial aid to its students.
- Cost: Cost is an inherent element of every educational pursuit. But since cost differs from one school to another, you must ensure that the online school you choose is affordable while still providing a quality education.
- Financing Options: Accredited colleges and universities will offer financial aid options including grants, scholarships, and loans for students who qualify. Some will also offer work-study programs.
- Course Delivery: Online education courses are delivered in three different ways: synchronous (live online classes), asynchronous (classes that can be attended anytime), and blended or hybrid (a mix of both synchronous and asynchronous). Choose a school that offers the type that suits your schedule.
- Academic Support: Academic support is a valuable element of distance learning. Give due credit to schools that provide students with online resources such as references and tutorials. You will need these to gain a deeper understanding of your lessons.
In addition to institutional accreditation, be sure your degree in online MBA in economics is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). This national board provides programmatic accreditation, which is an important mark of credibility for the master’s of business administration degree.
Bottom Line: Choosing an accredited school with a stellar reputation will help to launch or advance your career in economics because employers will be confident of the quality education that you received.
Careers for Online MBA in Economics Degree Holders
Graduates with the online MBA in economics have the credentials to qualify for several careers, including:
- Economists
- Actuaries
- Mathematicians and Statisticians
- Budget Analysts
- Financial Analysts
- Cost Estimators
- Survey Researchers
- Operations Research Analysts
Key Points: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job openings for online MBA in economics degree holders are projected to grow by 6% from 2021 to 2031.
The picture is even brighter for those who use their graduate degree to pursue careers as Mathematicians and Statisticians. Jobs for these positions are expected to grow by an incredible 31% from 2021 to 2031.
Save money on your way to an MBA by checking out some free MBA courses at some of the best business schools in the world.
You can also see our complete Guide to Online Degrees.
