Economics Colleges in USA: Rankings, Fees, Courses, Eligibility and more
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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 658 universities
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#1Stanford University logo

Stanford University, Stanford

California, Usa3.9%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $62.1K/YrLiving$33.2K/YrAdmission B.A EconomicsDuolingo115IELTS6.5PTE68$65.1K/Yr
Course duration: 4 years
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7.2/10(4 Users)
#2Massachusetts Institute of Technology logo

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge

Massachusetts, Usa4%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $78.1K/YrLiving$20.3K/YrAdmission M.S EconomicsTOEFL100$83.4K/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
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#3Harvard University logo

Harvard University, Cambridge

Massachusetts, Usa7%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $56.5K/YrLiving$13.6K/YrAdmission B.A EconomicsSAT1460TOEFL80$56.5K/Yr
Course duration: 4 years
Programs
6.5/10(5 Users)
#4Princeton University logo

Princeton University, Princeton

New Jersey, Usa4.49%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $62.4K/YrLiving$18.6K/YrAdmission B.A EconomicsTOEFL100$62.4K/Yr
Course duration: 4 years
1 More Program
8.3/10(1 User)
#5California Institute of Technology logo

California Institute of Technology, Pasadena

California, Usa3%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $63.4K/YrLiving$20.3K/YrAdmission B.A Business, Economics, and Man...IELTS7$63.4K/Yr
Course duration: 4 years
1 More Program
8.3/10(3 Users)
#6University of California logo

University of California, Berkeley

California, Usa16.4%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $13K/YrLiving$18K/YrAdmission B.A EconomicsDuolingo115IELTS6.5PTE46$13.1K/Yr
Course duration: 4 years
1 More Program
7.3/10(11 Users)
#7Yale University logo

Yale University, New Haven

Connecticut, Usa6.2%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $61.3K/YrLiving$19.9K/YrAdmission M.A International and Developmen...GRE322IELTS7PTE70$49.5K/Yr
Course duration: 1 year
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8.2/10(3 Users)
#8University of Chicago logo

University of Chicago, Chicago

Illinois, Usa6%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $75.8K/YrLiving$29K/YrAdmission M.B.A EconomicsGMAT600TOEFL100PTE54$84.2K/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
4+ More Programs
7.2/10(4 Users)
#9Johns Hopkins University logo

Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore

Maryland, Usa7%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $66.2K/YrLiving$20.1K/YrAdmission M.S Applied EconomicsTOEFL100PTE70$64.7K/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
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3.8/10(9 Users)
#10University of Pennsylvania logo

University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

Pennsylvania, Usa7%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $57.2K/YrLiving$19K/YrAdmission M.B.A Business Economics and Pub...GMAT730TOEFL100PTE68$84.8K/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
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6.8/10(5 Users)
#11Columbia University logo

Columbia University, New York City

New York, Usa3.9%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $69.5K/YrLiving$11K/YrAdmission M.S Financial EconomicsGMAT720TOEFL100$73.1K/Yr
Course duration: 1 year
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8.0/10(17 Users)
#12University of California logo

University of California, Los Angeles

California, Usa11%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $39.5K/YrLiving$18.6K/YrAdmission M.A Applied EconomicsGRE326TOEFL87$36.3K/Yr
Course duration: 3 years
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7.3/10(11 Users)
#13Cornell University logo

Cornell University, Ithaca

New York, Usa14.10%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $52.4K/YrLiving$11.3K/YrAdmission M.S Applied Economics and Manage...IELTS7$65.2K/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
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8.8/10(9 Users)
#14University of Michigan logo

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Michigan, Usa28%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $106.5K/YrLiving$15.3K/YrAdmission Ph.D Business and EconomicsIELTS6.5$106.5K/Yr
Course duration: 3 years
Programs
10.0/10(12 Users)Ranked 23 by THE in 2024Ranked 44 by QS in 2025
#15Carnegie Mellon University logo

Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania, Usa21.7%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $59.7K/YrLiving$13.8K/YrAdmission B.S EconomicsIELTS7.5$64.6K/Yr
Course duration: 4 years
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6.8/10(8 Users)
#16University of Washington logo

University of Washington, Seattle

Washington, Usa45.4%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $43.2K/YrLiving$12.1K/YrAdmission B.A Law, Economics and Public Po...SAT1420TOEFL92$43.2K/Yr
Course duration: 4 years
1 More Program
6.3/10(6 Users)
#17Duke University logo

Duke University, Durham

North Carolina, Usa32.5%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $63K/YrLiving$17.7K/YrAdmission M.S Quantitative Financial Econo...GRE315IELTS7.0$62.6K/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
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8.3/10(6 Users)
#18New York University logo

New York University, New York City

New York, Usa31.9%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $59.7K/YrLiving$6.6K/YrAdmission M.A EconomicsGMAT640TOEFL90PTE68$54.5K/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
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6.8/10(17 Users)
#19Northwestern University logo

Northwestern University, Evanston

Illinois, Usa7%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $67.1K/YrLiving$16K/YrAdmission M.A EconomicsGRE315IELTS7.0$61.3K/Yr
Course duration: 1 year
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8.2/10(4 Users)
#20University of California logo

University of California, San Diego

California, Usa34%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $40.7K/YrLiving$26.5K/YrAdmission M.A EconomicsTOEFL80PTE65$34.1K/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
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7.0/10(7 Users)
#21Georgia Institute of Technology logo

Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta

Georgia, Usa23%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $32.6K/YrLiving$13.6K/YrAdmission M.Sc EconomicsGMAT680IELTS7$31.2K/Yr
Course duration: 1 year
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9.5/10(9 Users)
#22University of Illinois logo

University of Illinois, Urbana

Illinois, Usa66%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $41.9K/YrLiving$14.5K/YrAdmission M.S Agricultural and Applied Eco...TOEFL104$31.8K/Yr
Course duration: 1 year
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8.3/10(16 Users)
#23University of Texas logo

University of Texas, Austin

Texas, Usa40%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $25.3K/YrLiving$12.3K/YrAdmission M.A EconomicsIELTS6.5PTE54$25.1K/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
1 More Program
6.0/10(8 Users)
#24University of California logo

University of California, Davis

California, Usa38%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $48.6K/YrLiving$16.1K/YrAdmission B.A EconomicsSAT1490TOEFL80PTE46$48.6K/Yr
Course duration: 4 years
2+ More Programs
7.3/10(8 Users)
#25University of Wisconsin logo

University of Wisconsin, Madison

Wisconsin, Usa60%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $36.6K/YrLiving$15.8K/YrAdmission M.S EconomicsGRE317IELTS7PTE54$25.6K/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
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7.8/10(16 Users)
#26Brown University logo

Brown University, Providence

Rhode Island, Usa5%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $66.1K/YrLiving$9.8K/YrAdmission B.A EconomicsDuolingo125TOEFL90$65.7K/Yr
Course duration: 4 years
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6.8/10(1 User)
#27Washington University logo

Washington University, St. Louis

Missouri, Usa11.33%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $61.7K/YrLiving$15.5K/YrAdmission B.S Managerial EconomicsIELTS6.0$61.7K/Yr
Course duration: 4 years
2+ More Programs
6.7/10(4 Users)
#28University of California logo

University of California, Santa Barbara

California, Usa36%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $15.7K/YrLiving$15.2K/YrAdmission B.A EconomicsSAT1280TOEFL80$15.7K/Yr
Course duration: 4 years
1 More Program
8.2/10(6 Users)
#29University of North Carolina logo

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

North Carolina, Usa30.5%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $24.5K/YrLiving$11.6K/YrAdmission M.S EconomicsTOEFL90$29.4K/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
1 More Program
7.5/10(5 Users)
#30University of Southern California logo

University of Southern California, Los Angeles

California, Usa12%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $31.3K/YrLiving$19.9K/YrAdmission M.S Pharmaceutical ScienceGRE317TOEFL90PTE68$22.3K/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
4+ More Programs
9.0/10(33 Users)
#31Boston University logo

Boston University, Boston

Massachusetts, Usa29.4%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $66.3K/YrLiving$19K/YrAdmission M.A EconomicsGRE298IELTS7.0$63.8K/Yr
Course duration: 1 year
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8.0/10(13 Users)
#32University of Minnesota - Twin Cities logo

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, Minneapolis

Minnesota, Usa51%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $39.3K/YrLiving$9.9K/YrAdmission M.S Applied EconomicsTOEFL79PTE59$21.4K/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
7+ More Programs
9.5/10(10 Users)
#33Purdue University logo

Purdue University, West Lafayette

Indiana, Usa56%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $33.1K/YrLiving$12.8K/YrAdmission M.S AgronomyGMAT500IELTS6.5$29.1K/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
9+ More Programs
8.7/10(15 Users)
#34University of California logo

University of California, Irvine

California, Usa38.7%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $44.8K/YrLiving$16.7K/YrAdmission M.A Philosophy, Political Scienc...TOEFL80PTE56$33.2K/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
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6.8/10(7 Users)
#35Vanderbilt University logo

Vanderbilt University, Nashville

Tennessee, Usa6.1%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $53.6K/YrLiving$11.5K/YrAdmission M.A EconomicsGRE311TOEFL100PTE70$42.3K/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
3+ More Programs
9.2/10(1 User)
#36Ohio State University logo

Ohio State University, Columbus

Ohio, Usa49.4%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $56.3K/YrLiving$14.7K/YrAdmission M.ADuolingo120TOEFL79$66.3K/Yr
Course duration: 1 year
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7.7/10(5 Users)
#37Emory University logo

Emory University, Atlanta

Georgia, Usa25.3%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $59.9K/YrLiving$20.2K/YrAdmission B.A EconomicsSAT1530TOEFL100$59.9K/Yr
Course duration: 4 years
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6.8/10(6 Users)
#38University of Maryland logo

University of Maryland, College Park

Maryland, Usa44%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $32.6K/YrLiving$9.2K/YrAdmission M.S Applied EconomicsGRE320TOEFL80PTE68$25.8K/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
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9.0/10(16 Users)
#39Michigan State University logo

Michigan State University, East Lansing

Michigan, Usa65.7%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $55.1K/YrLiving$12.6K/YrAdmission M.S Agricultural, Food and Resou...IELTS6.5PTE59$69.7K/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
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6.0/10(12 Users)
#40Texas A&M University logo

Texas A&M University, College Station

Texas, Usa67%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $49.1K/YrLiving$8.4K/YrAdmission B.S Agricultural EconomicsIELTS6PTE53$49.4K/Yr
Course duration: 4 years
2+ More Programs
8.2/10(4 Users)
#41Rice University logo

Rice University, Houston

Texas, Usa9.48%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $57.2K/YrLiving$18.1K/YrAdmission B.A EconomicsSAT1480TOEFL90$57.2K/Yr
Course duration: 4 years
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7.0/10(4 Users)
#42Pennsylvania State University logo

Pennsylvania State University, State College

Pennsylvania, Usa51.3%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $47.3K/YrLiving$11.3K/YrAdmission M.A EconomicsIELTS6.5$45K/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
3+ More Programs
6.2/10(7 Users)
#43University of Massachusetts logo

University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Massachusetts, Usa65.5%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $40.9K/YrLiving$17.8K/YrAdmission M.A EconomicsIELTS6.5PTE53$40.9K/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
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5.5/10(7 Users)
#44University of Florida logo

University of Florida, Gainesville

Florida, Usa45.9%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $28.7K/YrLiving$12.1K/YrAdmission B.A EconomicsSAT1330IELTS6$28.7K/Yr
Course duration: 4 years
Programs
7.0/10(14 Users)
#45University of Rochester logo

University of Rochester, Rochester

New York, Usa35.5%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $65.9K/YrLiving$10.5K/YrAdmission B.A Financial EconomicsDuolingo120IELTS7.5$65.9K/Yr
Course duration: 4 years
1 More Program
7.2/10(1 User)
#46University of Colorado logo

University of Colorado, Boulder

Colorado, Usa79.6%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $43.9K/YrLiving$14K/YrAdmission B.A EconomicsIELTS6.0PTE46$43.9K/Yr
Course duration: 4 years
Programs
8.3/10(5 Users)
#47University of Pittsburgh logo

University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania, Usa55%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $44.2K/YrLiving$13.4K/YrAdmission M.S Quantitative EconomicsTOEFL90$45.6K/Yr
Course duration: 8 months
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6.7/10(4 Users)
#48University of Arizona logo

University of Arizona, Tucson

Arizona, Usa78.6%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $39K/YrLiving$19.2K/YrAdmission M.S Agricultural and Resource Ec...GRE310TOEFL80PTE60$34K/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
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8.2/10(9 Users)
#49Dartmouth College logo

Dartmouth College, Hanover

New Hampshire, Usa6.2%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $63.7K/YrLiving$10.4K/YrAdmission B.A Economics Modified with Psyc...SAT1440IELTS7$63.7K/Yr
Course duration: 4 years
Programs
7.8/10(4 Users)Ranked 161 by THE in 2024Ranked 243 by QS in 2025
#50Case Western Reserve University logo

Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland

Ohio, Usa35.4%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $66K/YrLiving$6.5K/YrAdmission B.A EconomicsDuolingo115IELTS7PTE61$66K/Yr
Course duration: 4 years
Programs
5.7/10(3 Users)