Top Economics Universities & Colleges in USA in 2025 - Fees, Requirements & Eligibility
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Collegedunia Team

Content Curator | Updated 3+ months ago

Economics colleges in USA cover major elements like mathematics, microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, statistical analysis, and financial economics in the curriculum. According to QS Ranking 2022, 25 economics colleges in USA were included in the top 100 universities of the world. Number of jobs added for people with the typical qualification of Masters in Economics in USA is expected to be 2,900 by 2029.

  • Average pay of an economics graduate in USA is 105,020 USD (87.1 L INR) per year as per the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
  • According to BLS, the salary for economists is expected to increase by around 8% by 2026 with the industry witnessing 14% growth from 2019-2029.
  • USA is home to 7 out of the top 10 global universities according to QS Ranking 2022 and about 7.8% of international students study social sciences in the USA.

Economics Colleges in USA Fees

Best Economics Colleges in USA

University Name QS Global Rankings 2023 Tuition Fees (USD)
Harvard University 1 60,761
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) 2 82,314
Stanford University 3 61,398
University of Chicago 4 67,779
University of California, Berkeley (UCB) 5 23,778
Princeton University 7 57,570
Yale University 8 68,831
New York University 11 35,801
Columbia University 12 57,402
University of Pennsylvania 13 65,274

Other Economics Colleges in USA

Economics Colleges in USA for Undergraduate Programs

University Name Tuition Fees (USD) Tuition Fees (INR)
Harvard University 60,761 50.34 L
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) 82,314 68.2 L
Stanford University 61,398 50.87 L
University of Chicago 67,779 56.15 L
University of California, Berkeley (UCB) 23,778 19.7 L

Economics Colleges in USA for Doctorate Programs

University Name Tuition Fees (USD) Tuition Fees (USD)
Princeton University 62,570 51.84 L
Yale University 44,500 36.87 L
New York University 58,862 48.7 L
Columbia University 57,402 47.5 L
University of Pennsylvania 43,832 36.31 L

Economics Colleges in USA: Admission Requirements

Harvard University

  • Applicants should have an understanding of economics and have taken at least some economics courses beyond the principles level.
  • Applicants should be able to demonstrate their ability to do research by either having done research previously or via experience as a research assistant.
  • English Proficiency Test Scores: TOEFL: 80 or above
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Resume
  • GRE is not required for admission

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

  • Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree.
  • Applicants should have one full year of college mathematics and professional subjects in economics
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Resume
  • Three Letter of Recommendation

Stanford University

  • Applicants must hold the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from a college or university of recognized standing.
  • The Economics Department does not require and does not consider GRE scores for 2023-24 admission.
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Resume
  • Three strong letters of recommendation

Princeton University

  • Applicants must have passed 12th and are expected to study the following subjects: Four years of English (including continued practice in writing) Four years of mathematics.
  • Strong prior knowledge of the field, mathematical aptitude, and work experience is recommended.
  • English Proficiency Test Scores: IELTS 6.5 | TOEFL: 90 or above
  • Resume
  • Statement of Purpose

University of Chicago

  • a transcript with two quarters of grades from MAPSS or MACSS.
  • Candidates should prove strong math skills, relevant work experience, and basic computer programming skills.
  • at least one letter of recommendation from one of the tenured-track faculty.
  • Updated Resume
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Letter of Recommendation

How to choose Universities?

There are more than 3500 universities in USA, so it is a tough task to select the right university. You need to extensively research the university’s ranking, course modules, and fees for the course. There are certain tools which recommend universities according to your profile, like the Grad School Finder (GSF). After the shortlisted universities, try to analyze how much is the return of investment, including, rankings, job opportunities, fees, course structure, research opportunities, etc. After that, use tools like University Comparer, to have comparison between universities shortlisted. Before finalizing, look at your budget, and the location of the university, and the student profiles of students who graduated to give an idea on how the career of the students who graduated from the university of your choice were.

FAQs

Ques. Is Economics a STEM-degree in USA?

Ans.The Department of Economics submitted applications to change the CIP codes for the BA and BS majors. The applications were recently approved and Economics is now designated as a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) discipline.


Ques.How much does it cost to study Economics courses in USA?

Ans.A master's degree takes 1.5-2 years to complete and costs 24,000 USD – 62,000 USD (19.8 L INR - 51.36 L INR) per year. A bachelor's degree in the field can take two-four years and cost 9,000 USD - 35,000 USD (7.45 L INR- 28.9 L INR) a year. A PhD in Economics can take three-five years and cost between 28,000 USD and 40,000 USD (23.19 L INR and 33.14 L INR) per year.


Ques.Are Scholarships available for international students?

Ans.Yes, each university offers financial assistance for the need- based students. You must check the portal of the university to verify your eligibility.


Ques.What is the average salary for economics graduates in USA?

Ans.Average pay of an economics graduate in USA is 105,020 USD (87.1 L INR) per year as per the Bureau of Labor Statistics.


Ques.Can Indian students work in the USA after completing their studies?

Ans. A STEM certified MS economics program will allow international students to avail the 24 months OPT extension in addition to the 12 months OPT tenure.

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Found 652 universities

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RankCollege InfoTuition Fees & living Cost(Avg.)Top CoursesRanking & Reviews
#241Williams College logo

Williams College, Williamstown

Massachusetts, Usa10%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $64.5K/YrLiving$14.1K/YrAdmission B.A EconomicsIELTS6.5$64.5K/Yr
Course duration: 4 years
1 More Program
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#242Bowling Green State University logo

Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green

Ohio, Usa81%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $10.9K/YrLiving$8.9K/YrAdmission M.A Financial EconomicsGRE300IELTS6.5PTE53$5.6K/Yr
Course duration: 1 year
2+ More Programs
Ranked 1505 by CWUR in 2025Ranked 591 by FORBES in 2019
#243Carleton College logo

Carleton College, Northfield

Minnesota, Usa22.6%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $49.7K/YrLiving$13.6K/YrAdmission B.A EconomicsDuolingo130IELTS7$49.7K/Yr
Course duration: 4 years
Programs
Ranked 1509 by CWUR in 2025Ranked 52 by FORBES in 2019
#244San Jose State University logo

San Jose State University, San Jose

California, Usa85%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $8.8K/YrLiving$2.6K/YrAdmission M.A EconomicsIELTS7PTE62$9.9K/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
3+ More Programs
10.0/10(12 Users)
#245California State University-Sacramento logo

California State University-Sacramento, Sacramento

California, Usa65%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $16.8K/YrLiving$14.4K/YrAdmission B.A EconomicsDuolingo95IELTS6$16.8K/Yr
Course duration: 4 years
Programs
9.8/10(5 Users)Ranked 1530 by CWUR in 2025Ranked 469 by FORBES in 2019
#246Ball State University logo

Ball State University, Muncie

Indiana, Usa69%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $53.4K/YrLiving$10K/YrAdmission B.A/B.S Mathematical EconomicsDuolingo110IELTS6.5PTE53$53.4K/Yr
Course duration: 4 years
Programs
7.2/10(1 User)Ranked 1533 by CWUR in 2025Ranked 487 by FORBES in 2019
#247College of Holy Cross logo

College of Holy Cross, Worcester

Massachusetts, Usa21%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $60K/YrLiving$8.9K/YrAdmission B.A EconomicsTOEFL100$60K/Yr
Course duration: 4 years
Programs
Ranked 1539 by CWUR in 2025Ranked 77 by FORBES in 2019
#248California State University-Long Beach logo

California State University-Long Beach, Long Beach

California, Usa91%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $22.9K/YrLiving$17.4K/YrAdmission B.A EconomicsDuolingo105IELTS6.0PTE43$22.9K/Yr
Course duration: 4 years
1 More Program
8.3/10(8 Users)
#249University of Southern Mississippi logo

University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg

Mississippi, Usa60.1%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $13.2K/YrLiving$9.6K/YrAdmission B.A Economics (Social Science)IELTS6PTE54$13.2K/Yr
Course duration: 4 years
1 More Program
9.3/10(1 User)Ranked 139 by US News in 2025
#250Montclair State University logo

Montclair State University, Montclair

New Jersey, Usa87%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $25.9K/YrLiving$14.5K/YrAdmission B.A EconomicsDuolingo95TOEFL83PTE53$25.9K/Yr
Course duration: 4 years
Programs
9.0/10(3 Users)Ranked 1578 by CWUR in 2025Ranked 422 by FORBES in 2019
#251Texas Christian University logo

Texas Christian University, Fort Worth

Texas, Usa43%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $61.6K/YrLiving$12.4K/YrAdmission B.B.A International EconomicsDuolingo110IELTS6.5$61.6K/Yr
Course duration: 4 years
1 More Program
9.0/10(1 User)Ranked 1586 by CWUR in 2025Ranked 148 by FORBES in 2019
#252Chapman University logo

Chapman University, Orange

California, Usa54%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $65K/YrLiving$14.9K/YrAdmission B.A EconomicsDuolingo120IELTS6.5$65K/Yr
Course duration: 4 years
Programs
8.5/10(2 Users)
#253University of Minnesota- Duluth logo

University of Minnesota- Duluth, Duluth

Minnesota, Usa82%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $38.5K/YrLiving$7.6K/YrAdmission B.B.A Economics (Major)Duolingo110TOEFL71PTE54$38.5K/Yr
Course duration: 4 years
1 More Program
5.5/10(1 User)Ranked 1611 by CWUR in 2025Ranked 442 by FORBES in 2019
#254Baruch College logo

Baruch College, New York City

New York, Usa32%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $18.6K/YrLiving$17.9K/YrAdmission B.A EconomicsTOEFL80PTE70$18.6K/Yr
Course duration: 4 years
1 More Program
7.2/10(1 User)
#255California State University-Los Angeles logo

California State University-Los Angeles, Los Angeles

California, Usa91%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $20.1K/YrLiving$20.5K/YrAdmission M.A Economics - Financial Econom...Duolingo105TOEFL80PTE53$21.3K/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
3+ More Programs
5.8/10(4 Users)Ranked 1667 by CWUR in 2025Ranked 499 by FORBES in 2019
#256Reed College logo

Reed College, Portland

Oregon, Usa25%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $69K/YrLiving$13.7K/YrAdmission B.A EconomicsSAT1325TOEFL110$69K/Yr
Course duration: 4 years
1 More Program
Ranked 1703 by CWUR in 2025Ranked 105 by FORBES in 2019
#257Umass-Dartmouth logo

Umass-Dartmouth, North Dartmouth

Massachusetts, Usa92.2%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $40.9K/YrLiving$12.9K/YrAdmission B.S EconomicsDuolingo105IELTS6PTE53$40.9K/Yr
Course duration: 4 years
Programs
Ranked 1714 by CWUR in 2025
#258Claremont Graduate University logo

Claremont Graduate University, Claremont

California, Usa35%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $84.8K/YrAdmission M.A EconomicsDuolingo125IELTS7PTE66$72.7K/Yr
Course duration: 1 year
1 More Program
10.0/10(1 User)Ranked 68 by US News in 2025
#259Grinnell College logo

Grinnell College, Grinnell

Iowa, Usa28%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $67.6K/YrLiving$12.4K/YrAdmission B.A EconomicsDuolingo125IELTS7$67.6K/Yr
Course duration: 4 years
Programs
6.5/10(1 User)Ranked 1719 by CWUR in 2025Ranked 80 by FORBES in 2019
#260DePaul University logo

DePaul University, Chicago

Illinois, Usa
Tuition:  $40K/YrAdmission M.B.A Applied EconomicsDuolingo115IELTS6.5PTE53$35.8K/Yr
Course duration: 15 months
5+ More Programs
6.3/10(6 Users)