Best Online Master’s in Economics 2025

Badge for BEST ONLINE MASTER'S IN ECONOMICS
By Dr. James Barham and Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Chloe Dembski
Published:
Updated:

Key Takeaways

  • Many of the best online master’s in economics programs emphasize the use of modern data analysis tools like Python, R, and Stata, equipping students with practical skills in econometrics and big data for real-world economic problem-solving.
  • Top online master’s in economics programs often offer courses in international trade, global markets, and economic policy, preparing students to address global economic challenges and pursue careers with multinational corporations or policy organizations.
  • The programs in our ranking frequently provide specializations such as financial economics, behavioral economics, or environmental economics, allowing students to align their studies with their professional interests and goals.

Top 10 Online Master's in Economics Degrees in 2025

  1. Johns Hopkins University
  2. University of Arizona
    +2
  3. University of Missouri
  4. Northeastern University
    –2
  5. University of North Carolina at Greensboro
  6. Manhattan College
    +1
  7. University of Detroit Mercy
    +6
  8. University of Massachusetts Lowell
    +8
  9. Youngstown State University
    +1
  10. Missouri State 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 schools in our ranking of the best online master’s in economics programs saw a considerable amount of change. The University of Massachusetts Lowell gained the most ranking positions as the university now offers specialized tracks in areas such as health economics, environmental economics, and data analytics, allowing students to tailor their studies to specific career goals.

Additionally, the curriculum has been updated to include advanced econometric techniques and the use of statistical software, equipping students with practical skills in data analysis. The university has also expanded opportunities for internships and research collaborations with local industries and government agencies, providing students with hands-on experience and professional networking opportunities. These improvements reflect UMass Lowell’s commitment to delivering a comprehensive and career-focused economics education.

Featured Programs

Ranking: Best Online Masters’s in Economics Degree Programs

  1. #1

    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: $65,956
    Expenses: $22,725
    Starting Salary: $84,013
    Salary after 4 years: $110,124
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Applied Economics
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 1-2 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Applied Economics and Certificate in Financial Management
    • Required Credits: 45
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    MS/MBA in Applied Economics and MBA Dual Degree
    • Required Credits: 66
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    MS in Applied Economics and Certificate in Investments
    • Required Credits: 45
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  2. #2

    University of Arizona

    Tucson , AZ
    #3 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #18 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #20 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #20 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    54K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1255/25

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at University of Arizona

    Cost of Degree: $14,389
    Expenses: $19,500
    Starting Salary: $74,904
    Salary after 4 years: $86,770
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    Master in Legal Studies

    Concentrations

    • International Economic Law and Policy
    • Compliance and Legal Risk Management
    • Intellectual Property
    • Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy
    • Human Rights
    • Mining Law and Policy
    • Environmental Law and Policy
    • Tax Law and Policy
    • Criminal Law and Policy
    • Family and Juvenile Law
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  3. #3

    University of Missouri

    Columbia , MO
    #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2024 #1 Best Public Colleges in Missouri 2025 #2 Best Grad Schools in Missouri 2025 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    34K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/26

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at University of Missouri

    Cost of Degree: $13,029
    Expenses: $18,142
    Starting Salary: $75,707
    Salary after 4 years: $87,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MA in Economics
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  6. #5

    University of North Carolina at Greensboro

    Greensboro , NC
    #10 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #4 Best Public Colleges in North Carolina 2025 #5 Best Grad Schools in North Carolina 2025 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in North Carolina 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    21K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1195/24

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at University of North Carolina at Greensboro

    Cost of Degree: $8,546
    Expenses: $14,720
    Starting Salary: $54,707
    Salary after 4 years: $63,373
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MA in Applied Economics
    • Required Credits: 30-33
    • Completion time: 12-24 months
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  8. #7

    University of Detroit Mercy

    Detroit , MI
    #14 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #3 Best Private Colleges in Michigan 2024 #3 Best Small Colleges in Michigan 2024 #3 Best Christian Colleges in Michigan 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $31K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1084/23

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at University of Detroit Mercy

    Cost of Degree: $22,250
    Expenses: $15,190
    Starting Salary: $50,521
    Salary after 4 years: $66,222
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MA in Economics
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    MA in Financial Economics
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  9. #8

    University of Massachusetts Lowell

    Lowell , MA
    #3 Best Public Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Massachusetts Ranked for Students in 2024 #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Massachusetts 2025 #2 Best Online Associate in Information Technology
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    22K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1259/28

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at University of Massachusetts Lowell

    Cost of Degree: $16,050
    Expenses: $17,994
    Starting Salary: $76,510
    Salary after 4 years: $88,629
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MA in Security Studies

    Concentrations

    • Industrial And Economic Security
    • Required Credits: 15
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  10. #9

    Youngstown State University

    Youngstown , OH
    #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Ohio 2025 #6 Best Online Colleges in Ohio 2024 #7 Best Online MBA Programs in Ohio #8 Best Online Master's Programs in Ohio 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    995/21

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at Youngstown State University

    Cost of Degree: $6,615
    Expenses: $15,608
    Starting Salary: $53,771
    Salary after 4 years: $62,288
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MA in Financial Economics
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  12. #10

    Missouri State University

    Springfield , MO
    #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2024 #6 Best Research Universities in Missouri 2025 #6 Best Public Colleges in Missouri 2025 #9 Best Colleges in Missouri 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    27K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1101/23

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at Missouri State University

    Cost of Degree: $7,476
    Expenses: $16,024
    Starting Salary: $59,522
    Salary after 4 years: $68,951
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MPA in Public Administration

    Concentrations

    • Economic development
    • Local government management
    • Public policy
    • Public safety
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  13. #11

    Southern New Hampshire University

    Manchester , NH
    #11 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2025 #2 Best Private Colleges in New Hampshire 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in New Hampshire 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    224K

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at Southern New Hampshire University

    Cost of Degree: $20,469
    Expenses: $24,000
    Starting Salary: $47,228
    Salary after 4 years: $61,906
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Applied Economics
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  14. #12

    Murray State University

    Murray , KY
    #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #6 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #7 Best Colleges in Kentucky 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1077/22

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at Murray State University

    Cost of Degree: $10,368
    Expenses: $17,211
    Starting Salary: $56,580
    Salary after 4 years: $65,542
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Economic Development
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 10-12 months
    • Format: Online
    MBA in Economic Development

    Concentrations

    • Business Analytics
    • Cybersecurity
    • Economic Development
    • Finance
    • Global Communications
    • Healthcare Administration
    • Marketing
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 12-18 months
    • Format: Online
    MPA in Economic Development

    Concentrations

    • General
    • Economic Development
    • Healthcare Administration
    • Public and Community Health
    • Public Management
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 12 months
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  16. #14

    Park University

    Parkville , MO
    #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 Psychology
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Graduation

    23%

    Student body

    12K

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at Park University

    Cost of Degree: $7,942
    Expenses: $14,178
    Starting Salary: $47,793
    Salary after 4 years: $62,646
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MBA in Business Economics

    Concentrations

    • Accounting
    • Business Economics
    • International Business and Economic Development
    • Labor Economics
    • Computer Information Management
    • Corporate Financial Management
    • Digital Marketing
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Health Care
    • Human Resource Management
    • International Business
    • Logistics
    • Management
    • Marketing
    • Personal Financial Planning
    • Professional Sales
    • Project Management
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion time: 1-2 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  18. #15

    Saginaw Valley State University

    University Center , MI
    #4 Best Online MBA in Economics Degree Programs Ranked in 2024 #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: $17,328
    Expenses: $14,040
    Starting Salary: $57,115
    Salary after 4 years: $66,162
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MBA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Accounting
    • Business Analytics
    • Criminal Justice
    • Economics
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Executive
    • Finance
    • Financial Planning
    • General
    • Global
    • Management
    • Healthcare Management
    • Hospitality Management
    • Human Resources
    • Information Security
    • Information Systems
    • Leadership
    • Marketing
    • Project Management
    • Public Administration
    • Supply Chain Management
    • Required Credits: 31
    • Completion time: 18-24 months
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  19. #16

    Northwood University

    Midland , MI
    #4 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Michigan #5 Best Online MBA in Economics Degree Programs Ranked in 2024 #9 Best Online Colleges in Michigan 2024 #14 Best Online MBA Programs in Michigan
    Other Rankings

    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: $37,980
    Expenses: $16,938
    Starting Salary: $51,650
    Salary after 4 years: $67,702
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MBA with Economics concentration

    Concentrations

    • Economics
    • Accounting
    • Advertising & Marketing
    • Aftermarket Management
    • Automotive Marketing & Management
    • Cybersecurity Management
    • Entertainment
    • Sport & Promotion Management
    • Esports Management
    • Fashion Marketing & Management
    • Finance
    • Franchising Management
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 12-24 months
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  22. #19

    Colorado Christian University

    Lakewood , CO
    #2 Best Christian Colleges in Colorado 2025 #7 Best Private Colleges in Colorado 2025 #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Colorado #2 Best Online Associate in Psychology
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    16K

    Career Outlook for Economics degree at Colorado Christian University

    Cost of Degree: $16,733
    Expenses: $14,976
    Starting Salary: $41,960
    Salary after 4 years: $55,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Economics
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 15 months
    • Format: Online
    Compare school

Career Outlook for Students with Economics Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Economics

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

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.

An online master’s in economics is an excellent degree for those who wish to advance a career in banking, financial consulting, brokerage, financial analysis, and a host of other well-paying careers. As a master of economics, you could choose from an array of specializations, including global trade, financial market behavior, retail cost analysis, insurance risk assessment, and countless other areas. The best graduate schools for economics will have regional and programmatic accreditation, offer a full array of economics specializations, and give you the chance to conduct research alongside the most influential professors and classmates.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Master’s in Economics Programs

Students who wish to become economists, or leaders in areas such as financial consultation and investment advising, should consider earning this advanced degree. Opportunities such as policy analyst and data scientist are often reserved for those who have earned a master’s degree. If you plan to conduct research or teach at the post-secondary level, this advanced degree is widely seen as an important threshold on your path to a PhD.

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The emphasis on academic credentials in economics is high. Your advanced degree will make you more appealing to employers and open the door to greater career advancement. You could also work in a wide variety of professional settings. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2019, 23% of economists worked as researchers and analysts in the financial government, with an additional 9% working in government at the state level. 18% worked in scientific development and another 17% were working in management, scientific, and technical consulting services. Just 7% were employed in the areas of finance and insurance, suggesting that as a graduate with a master’s in economics, you have a lot of career options.

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You now have the choice to pursue a master’s in economics online from top-notch colleges and universities. For many, the flexibliilty of online degree programs mean the have the opportunity to get a degree when previously it may have been difficult or nearly impossible.

Some master’s in economics degree programs may require you to complete a Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Scoring requirements will vary from one economics master’s program to the next.

If no GRE is required, the primary requirement for gaining eligibility into an economics master’s program is completion of a bachelor’s degree from a properly accredited undergraduate school. While programmatic accreditation is not specifically required in this field, most regionally accredited graduate schools will require that your bachelor’s degree be granted by a regionally accredited college or university.

Direct any further questions to a representative from your intended program including inquiries about application requirements, work experience, academic performance thresholds, referrals, and prerequisite courses. If you’re still working on building your qualifications, check out our look at the economics major to find out how you can get an undergraduate degree in economics.

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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of job opportunities for economists is expected to grow at a robust rate of 14% by 2029. Depending on what you choose to do within the field, your economics degree could also lead to well above-average pay. The BLS reports that financial analysts earned a median salary of $81,590 in 2019, while personal financial advisors earned $87,850, and economists pulled in $105,020.

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The following are among the most popular jobs for economics masters:

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Learn more about what you can do with a master’s in economics.

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