10 Best Economics Schools in the U.S. in 2025
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A career in economics begins with a great education provided by some of the best economics schools in the country. Not only do they offer renowned faculties and facilities, but also rigorous curriculums that help students develop the skills needed to combat global economic challenges.
Whether you choose to work in business, government policies, or academia, an economics degree serves as the proper foundation for both personal and professional growth. But the real question is: where should you pursue your economics degree?
At Bold.org, we’re dedicated to empowering students to make informed decisions about their education and career paths. While we’re known for our scholarship opportunities, we also strive to provide valuable resources and insights into academic fields and career planning. In this article, we’ll guide you through the best economics schools in the U.S. and help you understand:
- What economics is and why it’s a critical field of study.
- How an economics degree can shape your career opportunities.
- Why choosing the right school is essential for achieving your goals.
Whether you are getting your undergraduate degree, heading to graduate school, or entering a doctoral program, we'll cover everything you need to know to find the economics program that’s right for you.
Discover how you can apply for scholarships to help pay for your economics degree!
Top 10 Economics Schools in 2025
Top economics programs offer a top-of-line education where students develop skills in economic analysis, data interpretation, and critical thinking. Let's go over the top 10 economics schools in the country:
1. Harvard University
- Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Strengths: Harvard University's Department of Economics is one of the country’s top schools for pursuing a bachelor’s degree in economics. The program emphasizes the development of analytical skills, making Harvard a leading institution for training economists who can pursue influential careers in academia, government, business, and international organizations.
2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Strengths: MIT's economics department is renowned for its focus on quantitative methods, econometrics, and macroeconomics. It is also known for its leading research in labor economics, industrial organization, and market design.
3. Stanford University
- Location: Stanford, California
- Strengths: Stanford University is known for its innovative research in microeconomics, political economy, and behavioral economics. It is also well-regarded for its interdisciplinary approach, integrating economics with law, business, and technology.
4. University of Chicago
- Location: Chicago, Illinois
- Strengths: The University of Chicago is home to the Chicago School of Economics, which emphasizes free-market capitalism and has contributed significantly to modern economic thought, particularly in areas like economic theory, public policy, and market design.
5. Princeton University
- Location: Princeton, New Jersey
- Strengths: Princeton is known for its rigorous theoretical economics, especially in the areas of macroeconomics, economic theory, and development economics. It has a smaller, more intimate department with a strong focus on mentoring graduate students.
- The program is very competitive, enrolling only twenty-five new students each year. Students are required to take the Graduate Record Exam, and the department is particularly interested in the Quantitative score.
6. New York University
- Location: New York, New York
- Strengths: NYU's Economics program is known for its strong focus on both theoretical and applied economics. The program offers undergraduate, master's, and Ph.D. degrees, with an array of specializations in microeconomics, macroeconomics, international economics, and development economics.
7. University of California Berkley
- Location: Berkeley, California
- Strengths: UC Berkeley is known for its research output in labor economics, industrial organization, and econometrics. The program emphasizes a rigorous quantitative approach while also fostering a collaborative environment for interdisciplinary work.
8. Yale University
- Location: New Haven, Connecticut
- Strengths: Yale University offers a competitive economics program that balances theory with empirical research. They have a world-class faculty with strengths in microeconomic theory, economic history, and behavioral economics.
9. Columbia University in the City of New York
- Location: New York, New York
- Strengths: Columbia University's economics department is strong in both theoretical and applied economics, with a focus on macroeconomics, econometrics, and international economics.
10. Northwestern University (NU)
- Location: Evanston, Illinois
- Strengths: Northwestern’s economics program is particularly strong in areas like industrial organization, labor economics, and econometrics. The university has a close relationship with its business school, fostering cross-disciplinary research in economics and management.
Honorable Economics Programs
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
- University of Michigan
Please note: all international students are subject to applying for student VISAs in order to be eligible to attend an undergraduate or master's program.
These schools are all highly ranked for academic excellence and global influence in economics. Be sure to do your research to find the school that offers the economics program for you.
What is Economics?
Economics is the study of how societies use and distribute resources to produce value for businesses, governments, and societies. Economists analyze the decisions these institutions make and how they interact within markets and economies. Economics explains how they make trades, set priorities, and decide on the best use of resources.
Economics is divided into two main branches:
- Microeconomics: How people and businesses decide on how to move limited resources.
- Macroeconomics: Focuses on how entire economic structures perform and behave.
Ultimately, economics helps us understand worldly issues, economic systems, and how they interact with the economy.
Why Economics is Important
Economics is important because it provides insights into the functioning of markets, the behavior of individuals and businesses, and the impact of government policies on economic well-being. It is also meant to answer critical questions like how to reduce poverty, increase prosperity, and manage resources.
Economics shapes economic decisions on an everyday scale, from budgeting and investing to strategy and policy. It also provides the skill set to tackle issues like inflation, unemployment, and economic inequality. By studying economics, we better understand the forces that drive the economy, both locally and globally.
Financial Aid for Economics Students
An undergraduate and/or master’s in economics requires a hefty investment of not only time but money as well. So, when it comes to pursuing a higher education at any level, students often apply for fellowships or research grants, but many universities also offer merit-based scholarships. Be sure to check with your institution's financial aid department for more information.
Access more financial resources by visiting our scholarship blog and browsing through hundreds of exclusive scholarships designed for students like you.
Economists Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), economists earned a median annual salary of $115,730 in 2023. PayScale reports that economists with only one year of experience earn $66,000 a year. However, in order to earn these kinds of salaries, economists must have a master's in economics. With this degree, they can work as financial managers and market research analysts.
Economists can expect to enter a competitive but stable job market with room for growth.
- Lowest 10%: As low as $48,000
- Median Annual Salary: $115,730
- Highest 10%: More than $140,000
Benefits of Pursuing an Economics Degree
Though pursuing an economics undergraduate degree can seem challenging, it also offers personal, as well as global benefits like:
- Strong Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Economics involves analyzing complex problems, interpreting data, and making decisions based on various factors. Through undergraduate courses in microeconomics and macroeconomics, students develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Understanding of How the World Economy Works: Offers insights into how societies allocate resources, markets function, and how different policies impact individuals and businesses.
- Diverse Career Opportunities: An economics degree can open doors for opportunities in different industries like finance, government, international organizations, consulting, data analysis, and even academia.
- High Earning Potential: Economics graduates have the potential to be some of the highest-paid individuals in other markets.
- Influence Public Policy: Economists play an important role in advising individuals and governments on issues like, but not limited to, taxation, labor markets, and healthcare.
Overall, the study of economics will provide you with a strong understanding of economic trends and policies, which can also serve as a foundation for a graduate degree.
Check out our blog, Career Guides for College Students.
Top Careers for Economics Majors
Economics graduates are in high demand, which means students and future graduates have opportunities in various fields across different industries.
Below are some of the most popular career paths for economics graduates:
- Financial Analyst
- Economist
- Data Analyst
- Business Consultant
- Policy Analyst
- Market Research Analyst
- Investment Banker
- Public Policy Adviser
- Corporate Strategist
- Economic Consultant
Keep in mind: the higher your level of degree in economics, the higher your chances are of getting a hefty salary. Though it's not required, going to grad school and getting a master's degree can push you further toward success.
Check out our blog, Economists Career Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Economics Schools
What is the best economics school in the country?
According to different reports, Harvard University is the top school in the country for economics programs. However, the "best" economics school depends on various factors, like academic reputation, faculty quality, and research facilities, but most importantly, your career goals and aspirations. So, whether it's Harvard or Yale University, the best school will align with your goals.
Do economists earn a lot of money?
Depending on your education level, economists have the potential to earn anywhere between $48,000 to over $100,000 annually. You may refer to the Bureau of Labor Statistics for more information regarding median annual salaries to see where you have the potential to reach in your career.
What can I do with my economics degree?
As economists are in high demand, economics graduates have a wide array of professional opportunities that include but are not limited to, financial analysts, data analysts, business consultants, policy analysts, investment bankers, and more. Depending on your degree level, graduates can find themselves in challenging yet fulfilling positions, as well as high-paying opportunities.
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About Chanelle
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She graduated from the University of South Florida with a major in English, Creative Writing with a specialization in Technical Writing.
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