Finance and insurance, government, research and development services, and technical consulting services employ economics majors. Popular job titles include budget analyst, data analyst, and market research analyst. Budget analysts make an average of $78,970 a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Online economics degrees provide a strong academic foundation in a flexible learning format. Make an informed choice about your future by exploring the following ranked list of top online economics degrees.
Top 5 online schools for economics
The best online bachelor’s in economics degrees
All of our program rankings rely on trusted federal data and expert insights. ZDNet’s ranking methodology prioritizes the interests and unique goals of prospective students. Schools cannot pay for placement on ZDNet rankings lists. Miami, FL Application fee: $30 Salt Lake City, UT Application fee: $55 Logan, UT Application fee: $50 University Park, PA Application fee: $65 Pullman, WA Application fee: $50 Unless otherwise indicated, data is drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Scorecard.
What to expect in an online bachelor’s in economics degree program
Economics degrees help build critical and analytical thinking, data analysis, and economic modeling skills. Courses provide a mix of theoretical and practical information that students can later apply to careers in business, finance, nonprofit work, or law and policy.
Acceptance rate: 58%Graduation rate: 64%Annual net price: $7,296Time to degree: Four yearsSAT range: 1110-1280Minimum GPA: Not requiredEnrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery methods: Online, asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 62%Graduation rate: 68%Annual net price: $14,773Time to degree: Three yearsSAT range: 1143-1380Minimum GPA: 2.35 for applicants with an associate degree; 2.6 for applicants with 30 credit hoursEnrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery methods: Online, asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 91%Graduation rate: 55%Annual net price: $13,634Time to degree: Four yearsSAT range: 1050-1310Minimum GPA: 3.5 for direct admission to the Huntsman School; 2.8 for admission as a pre-business major in good standing Enrollment periods per year: TwoCourse delivery methods: Online, asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 76%Graduation rate: 73%Annual net price: $27,372Time to degree: Four yearsSAT range: 1070-1310Minimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery methods: Online, asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 76%Graduation rate: 67%Annual net price: $16,358Time to degree: Four yearsSAT range: 1020-1230Minimum GPA: 2.5 for transfer studentsEnrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery methods: Online, asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 81%Graduation rate: 69%Annual net price: $18,668Time to degree: Four yearsSAT range: 1070-1290Minimum GPA: 2.0Enrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery methods: Online
Acceptance rate: 82%Graduation rate: 64%Annual net price: $20,016Time to degree: Four yearsSAT range: 1080-1320Minimum GPA: 3.0 preferred for first-time freshmen; 2.25 preferred for transfer studentsEnrollment periods per year: FourCourse delivery methods: Online, asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 58%Graduation rate: 46%Annual net price: $10,274Time to degree: Four yearsSAT range: 970-1150Minimum GPA: 2.0 for transfer studentsEnrollment periods per year: TwoCourse delivery methods: Online, asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 57%Graduation rate: 59%Annual net price: $16,210Time to degree: Four yearsSAT range: 950-1150Minimum GPA: 2.0 Enrollment periods per year: TwoCourse delivery methods: Online
Acceptance rate: 91%Graduation rate: 58%Annual net price: $12,053Time to degree: 4 yearsSAT range: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: 2.5 for first-time freshmen; 2.0 for transfer studentsEnrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery methods: Online
While pursuing an online degree, economics students complete most of their work independently, though some courses may require group projects. Succeeding in an online program requires self-discipline, time management, and careful attention to course syllabi. Undergraduate economics degrees typically include several electives. Students can fulfill these course requirements by completing a concentration, if available, or selecting individual courses aligned with their interests and professional goals. Common concentration options include management, marketing, and economic policy.
Economics courses
An economics bachelor’s degree typically requires a minimum of 120 credits. General education subjects — including mathematics, humanities, and science — make up about half of all program coursework. Core courses explore key aspects of economic foundations, theory, and applied practice. Four courses economics students should expect to take at the undergraduate level include: Principles of economics Economics degrees commonly require two introductory courses covering the principles of micro- and macroeconomics. These courses expose students to core theories and fundamental tools used in economic calculations and analysis. Introduction to econometrics This course teaches students to perform foundational data analysis tasks like an economist. Using statistical software, learners explore regression analysis, inference, causal analysis, and forecasting methods. International economics Learners in this course study the history and theories of international economic relations. Topics include international trade patterns, commercial policies, and the relationship between national income and international trade. Money and banking Students examine financial institutions and markets from theory, practice, and policy perspectives. Key topics include the history and evolution of the modern financial system, banking, and monetary policy.
Economics degree levels
Both experience and educational attainment influence an economics career’s trajectory. Undergraduate economics degrees can help you secure entry-level opportunities, while master’s and doctoral programs open the door to specialized positions in business, finance, government, and academia. Explore the requirements and benefits of each economics degree level below.
Associate in economics
Length: Two years Cost: $2,300-$12,500 Post-grad careers: Administrative assistant, bookkeeping clerk, sales agent This economics degree level requires approximately 60 credits of coursework, including general education and introductory economics courses. Learners gain essential skills in communication, problem solving, and critical thinking. Instructional methods include lectures, individual assignments, and group projects. Students may pursue an associate degree in economics with plans to transfer to a bachelor’s program. Graduates interested in entering the workforce can secure entry-level administrative, bookkeeping, and sales positions.
Bachelor’s in economics
Length: Four years Cost: $7,300-$56,000 Post-grad careers: Financial managers, market research analyst, financial analyst This 120-credit program covers general education subjects and economic concepts, theories, and applied practices. Coursework features instructor lectures, individual assignments, group projects, and hands-on learning. Some programs allow or require students to complete an internship. An economics bachelor’s degree develops skills in communication, data analysis, and critical thinking. Graduates can pursue entry-level careers across multiple sectors. Popular industries include business, government, nonprofit, banking, and finance.
Master’s in economics
Length: Two years Cost: $24,000-$58,000 Post-grad careers: Economist, data analyst, economics instructor Typically requiring between 30 and 36 credits, a graduate degree in economics builds on bachelor’s coursework. Economics master’s degrees offer advanced study in concepts, theory, and applied practice. Students master data analysis, finance, and economic modeling. Master’s programs tend to offer smaller class sizes, professor mentorships, and an emphasis on interactive class participation. Graduates often pursue mid- and senior-level job opportunities in their chosen industry.
Doctorate in economics
Length: Four to five years Cost: $40,000-$80,000 Post-grad careers: Economist, economics professor, data scientist Terminal economics degrees allow graduates to shape the field. A doctorate in economics offers students a highly customizable curriculum focused on their areas of interest. Doctorates emphasize independent research and collaboration with professors rather than traditional class sessions and assignments. Professionals who obtain a doctorate in economics can pursue the most advanced positions in their field. Graduates often work as top economists, researchers, data scientists, and college professors.
In conclusion
A bachelor’s in economics serves as a first step on a rewarding career path. Economics graduates enjoy strong employment prospects in finance, government, consulting, and research. Visit your prospective school’s website for details on admission, financial aid, and course requirements to start your journey.
