2026 Best Online Economics Degrees
Our list below of the best online economics degree programs highlights accredited colleges with the highest number of economics graduates because this signals to us that there is widespread student trust, strong virtual infrastructure, and real-world relevance.
Key Takeaways:
- Columbia Southern University ranks #1 with 515 successful graduates last year.
- Arizona State University, Online holds the top spot for largest online school, with over 52,000 distance learners at the school.
- Utah State University holds a 98% recommendation rate from surveyed students.
Visit our methodology page. We also spoke with Martin Weidemann, who's hired economics graduates on real-world projects. He provided advice for getting the most out of an online economics bachelor's.
2026 Best Online Economics Degrees
| Rank | School | National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, total graduates data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional total graduates information. ">Graduates | National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, annual tuition data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional annual tuition information. ">Annual Tuition | Median Salary | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia Southern University | 515 | $8,100 | N/A | Columbia Southern University "> 79% | |
| Utah State University | 326 | $11,820 | $88,162 | Utah State University "> 99% | |
| Fort Hays State University | 230 | $7,719 | N/A | Fort Hays State University "> 82% | |
| University of Utah | 221 | National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, annual tuition data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional annual tuition information. ">$30,860 | $80,323 | 90% | |
| Florida International University | 141 | $16,997 | $75,402 | Florida International University "> 93% | |
| Colorado State University - Fort Collins | 99 | $14,280 | $69,679 | 88% | |
| Oregon State University | 91 | $11,760 | $76,531 | Oregon State University "> 87% | |
| Arizona State University, Online | 80 | $24,780 | $74,632 | Arizona State University, Online "> 93% | |
| University of Hawaii at Manoa | 65 | $14,130 | $58,682 | 89% | |
| Washington State University | 45 | $13,021 | $90,097 | Washington State University "> 86% | |
| Reinhardt University | 39 | National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, annual tuition data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional annual tuition information. ">$30,074 | N/A | 100% | |
| University of Maine | 35 | $15,000 | N/A | 92% | |
| University of Wisconsin - Whitewater | 21 | $12,360 | $86,030 | 94% | |
| North Carolina A&T State University | 19 | $17,640 | $54,049 | North Carolina A&T State University "> 90% | |
| Westfield State University | 14 | National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, annual tuition data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional annual tuition information. ">$18,259 | $67,101 | 89% |
2026 Best Online Economics Degrees - Program Details
- Graduates: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. " data-point="total graduates">515
- Annual Tuition: $8,100
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: Columbia Southern University "> 79%
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Why we like them: CSU embeds microeconomics and macroeconomics directly into the business curriculum, framing economic concepts around real managerial decisions (rather than abstract modeling or policy research, for example). CSU integrates globalization into business, finance, and management outcomes, emphasizing how macroeconomic forces affect day-to-day business operations.
- Graduates: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. " data-point="total graduates">326
- Annual Tuition: $11,820
- Median Salary: $88,162
- Recommendation: Utah State University "> 99%
Bachelor of Arts/Science in Economics
Why we like them: USU's online degree is housed in USU’s Jon M. Huntsman School of Business, positioning economics alongside finance, accounting, and management rather than as a standalone social science degree. USU offers emphases in Econometrics and Data Analysis (with exposure to machine learning and forecasting) and international economics and trade. We appreciate how these are aligned with real-world careers in the field.
- Graduates: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and reflects the most current available data. In the absence of available NCES data, data was provided by an official representative of the school. Contact the school directly for additional information. " data-point="total graduates">230
- Annual Tuition: $7,719
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: Fort Hays State University "> 82%
Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business and Economics
Why we like them: At #3 on our list, FHSU had 230 graduates from its online economics program last year, showing among the best in student success. If you value the flexibility to personalize your education, you will appreciate the wide range of electives in areas like international relations, cultural geography, global communication, and even GIS mapping.
What The Data Tells Us About The Best Online Economics Degrees
If you’re considering earning your economics degree online, program graduate count is a signal of trust as well as a strong virtual community. Our list of the top online economics programs is based on the number of graduates conferred last year in economics, with top-ranking programs from schools like Columbia Southern University and Utah State producing over 500 and 300 graduates apiece, respectively. Other standouts include Utah State (226 grads) and Fort Hays State (230), suggesting consistency in student support.
We’ve also included student recommendation rates, drawn from over 90,000 survey responses. These provide authentic student feedback into satisfaction and quality, both of which are especially useful in a challenging field like economics, where outcomes can vary dramatically based on institutional support.
Below, we break down the trends and differences that set these top programs apart, helping you understand where students are enrolling, and also why.
Recommendation Rates Tell the Other Half of the Story
A large program doesn’t mean much if the experience falls flat. That’s why we weigh student recommendation rates heavily — an outcome based on verified survey responses.
For economics majors in particular, this matters. Economics is a discipline that thrives on discussion, feedback, and applied learning. A program with a high recommendation rate signals satisfaction that often reflects strong faculty engagement, relevant coursework, and effective support systems that help students connect theory to real-world analysis.
In a field like economics where the value of your education hinges on how well you're able to apply economic thinking to careers in policy, business, or data science, choosing a program that past students endorse gives you a better shot at success in this complex and challenging field.
Utah State stands out with a 98% recommendation rate, the highest on our list. But programs at FIU, the U of Utah, and UW - Whitewater still hover in the 90%+ range, meaning that the vast majority of students are recommending these schools to you. These are endorsements that come directly from graduates who lived the experience.
Colorado State and Hawaii also post strong ratings (87%), showing that even mid-sized programs can foster excellent student satisfaction. When choosing between options, pairing graduate volume with a high recommendation rate can be a smart strategy because it indicates a track record of strong appeal.
Why Considering Online Enrollment Matters in Economics Education
When evaluating online economics programs to choose the program that's best for you, the online enrollment numbers are another direct reflection of a program’s quality. Think scalability, digital infrastructure, and the capacity to serve diverse learners. The more online students there are, the more mature the remote instructional platforms, and it's also pretty safe to assume wider peer networks as well as more solid support services.
Take Arizona State University (ASU), for example — its online enrollment exceeds 52,000 students. Meanwhile, Columbia Southern (13,111) and Florida International (10,997) boast some of the largest student populations in the nation, reinforcing their reputations for accessibility but also success in the online learning space.
Retention, Graduation, and What They Say About Support
Schools like FIU and the University of Utah report retention rates over 85%, which places them in the top 15% nationally.
High retention matters if you're thinking about becoming an online economics student because the field demands persistence, cumulative learning, and a solid grasp of theory and applied tools over time. High retention and graduation rates signal that a program not only attracts students, but supports them through to completion.
Graduation rates further support this story. FIU’s 74%, ASU’s 68%, and UW - Whitewater’s 64% show that most students who start these degrees finish them. That’s not always the case in online education, where drop-off rates can sometimes be steep.
In economics, concepts build on each other, and if you drop out mid-way, you’re not just leaving school, you’re leaving a skillset half-formed. What these data points show are a good sign that the academic structure is working.
An Expert's Take on What Makes Online Economics Grads Stand Out in Today’s Market
A degree in economics has long been considered a gateway to careers in finance, government, and research. But in today’s tech-driven landscape, employers are looking for more than textbook knowledge. They want you to interpret models, code solutions, and work cross-functionally, sometimes remotely.
That’s why we spoke to Martin Weidemann, a professional in the field who has experience hiring and mentoring economics grads across AI, reinsurance, and mobility sectors. His take is that an economics major still delivers tremendous value but only when paired with project-based learning.
“Economics Is the Ultimate Multi-Tool”: How Today’s Grads Can Turn Theory Into Impact
"Economics is the ultimate multi-tool — like a Swiss Army knife — improving your critical thinking skills while equipping you with data skills that fit into all types of jobs in fintech, policy and tech startups.
When I was co-founder on a fintech platform the economics grads on our team offered a consistently strong advantage, not for knowing about markets, but for the ability to turn models and theories into deployable strategy and metrics.
Experience today with Python, R or Stata is also non-negotiable. I have seen online learners land jobs faster just by showing they could automate reports or develop simple risk modelling using Python. These tools create spaces to link theory, modelling, and implementation, especially with remote-first work environments.
Economics works great online, but only if it includes real data tasks, collaborative projects and asynchronous analysis challenges. Theory is for reading, insights comes through practice.
The industries hiring economics grads have picked up scope from fairly traditional banking and consulting to product teams in tech and algorithmic trading. (I have hired economists focused on customer segmentation and pricing models).
There is real value in including a Data Analytics or Tech concentration. Ten years ago, combining economics with Coding or Business was enough to give graduates a significant advantage. Today it is essential.
In my experience when I am mentoring or hiring I will always be looking for evidence that students can deal with ambiguity through numbers. My advice to you? Don't just consume knowledge — use it to build real things. Publish on Substack about your insights, analyze publicly available data or simulate policy/economic shocks using Python. In a world shifted to digital, your outputs matter much more than your degree or university."
EXPERT TIP
"Involving yourself in projects with real-world data (Kaggle competitions and public use policy data), internships in fintech or with your local or government and certifications like Google Data Analytics or Tableau will significantly improve student value in the job market."
FAQs About The Best Online Economics Degrees
What Is an Online Bachelor's Degree in Economics?
Earning an online bachelor's degree in economics can provide a deeper understanding of the relationship between the economy and society. Students can develop their math, statistics, and research skills to solve problems and make informed economic decisions. To graduate, students are required to complete approximately 120 credit hours of this coursework, and in some programs, a senior capstone project is generally required. Programs often take full-time students four years to complete and longer for part-time students.
Large corporations may prefer to hire economists with a master's degree or doctorate in economics. However, many government agencies hire economists with undergraduate degrees. Skills gained in an economics program may prepare students for work across different industries and occupations to evaluate economic health and identify factors for risk.
What Does Accreditation Mean for an Online Economics Degree?
The Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education recognize 19 national and seven regional boards awarding accreditation based on academic quality.
Students can verify an online school's accreditation status at the Department of Education's Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs. Students should choose an accredited institution not only for its verified academic quality, but also because accreditation is generally necessary to transfer credits and qualify for federal financial aid.
In addition to university accreditation, economics degree programs may be accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The AACSB recognizes colleges and universities that meet specific standards of quality in their business and business-related educational programs. The AACSB website also maintains a directory of accredited programs.
What Courses Do You Take in an Online Bachelor's Degree in Economics?
The curriculum in an online economic bachelor's degree program explores economic philosophy, how financial markets function, and the economy's impact on society. Economics majors usually study subjects such as intermediate microeconomics and macroeconomics, international trade, and supply and demand.
While the titles of required courses and electives may vary from program to program, learning objectives for these online courses are similar:
- Applied Regression Economics and Forecasting: This course includes statistical modeling and is used in business and institutional settings to predict future economic outcomes and influence policymaking.
- Survey of International Economics: In this course, students explore international trade issues, theory, and monetary topics. Topics include global economic policies and currency issues.
- Public Economics: The focus of this course is on the role of government in the economy. Students gain an understanding of the potential benefits of government policy and the response of economic agents to government decisions.
- Econometrics: Theory, math, and statistical methods are used in this course to explain economic phenomena. Students practice making qualitative statements into quantitative statements by applying economic theory and modeling.
- Economic Statistics: This course covers sampling, estimation, probability distributions, and confidence intervals. Students examine the practical application of current statistical data to current economic trends.
What Concentrations Are Available in an Online Bachelor's Degree in Economics?
A concentration is appealing because it demonstrates expertise and may make you more competitive in the job market.
There are several concentrations in economics for online students to choose from:
- Banking and Financial Economics focuses on the fundamental business, economic theory, and practices of financial institutions. This concentration also examines changes in policy or economic outlook that can affect the world's economy.
- Business Economics explores the financial situations and challenges corporations face and how the economy impacts an organization, its management, potential expansion, and implementing strategies for economic development.
- International Economics studies how countries interact economically with each other. It includes international trade, global investments, and the scientific prediction of production patterns around the world.
- Political Economy examines the relationship between a nation's population, its government, and how officials administer public policy with respect to the economy. It also includes the study of wealth and income across various populations.
What Careers Can You Pursue With an Online Bachelor's Degree in Economics?
Graduates with an economics degree can help companies weather economic ups and downs and evaluate financial risk. Businesses often rely on these individuals' data analysis skills to inform financial decisions for the health of the company.
For economics students with strong analytical skills and an interest in economics or policy, careers in risk assessment and financial systems offer a compelling alternative. Actuaries, for example, apply statistical models and financial theory to measure risk and uncertainty.
Financial analysts also play an important role in the private and public sectors. Their ability to interpret economic trends, assess investment performance, and offer strategic insights makes them valuable to agencies managing public funds or even conducting investigative work in the world of white-collar crime.
For those drawn to leadership and strategy, financial management presents another avenue. These professionals guide long-term budgeting decisions and supervise teams, making them a good fit for justice majors interested in organizational accountability and resource allocation.
Lastly, students with a knack for research and human behavior may gravitate toward market research analysis. This is a good choice for an economics major because market research analysts rely heavily on analytical and statistical tools. They study consumer behavior, forecast market trends, and evaluate data to help businesses make informed decisions.
Is an Online Economics Degree Worth It?
Pursuing an online economics degree may be worth it if you are curious, reflective, and enterprising by nature and are looking for a satisfying career. If you also enjoy math, statistics, and problem-solving, it may make this degree and career path a natural fit. However, a degree's worth ultimately comes down to your career and financial goals.
Pros
- Earning an economics degree can help you sharpen strategic thinking skills. Analytical, critical thinking, communication, and statistical analysis skills can be applied across occupations, industries, and even your own financial situation.
- An online bachelor's degree in economics has social relevance. Individuals skilled in economics and data interpretation who hold a broader perspective of the relationships between the economy and society are needed to help advance economic and social progress.
- Enrolling in an online program may suit your schedule. If you juggle multiple responsibilities, the flexibility of asynchronous courses may be appealing.
Cons
- Economics involves a lot of numbers and math. While completing complex calculations may be stimulating for some, it may not be for everyone. You'll be working with equations, graphs, data tables, money, and statistics, which could present some obstacles.
- Earning your economics bachelor's degree online can be isolating. It may be difficult to network with others for future job opportunities or find support. Distance learning can be difficult to navigate if you are trying to complete complex assignments and need immediate help.
Interested in learning about similar degrees? Explore the best online accounting degrees, business degrees, and finance degrees.
Student Reviews of Online Economics Programs
Rutgers University is a strong choice for someone looking for a large public school. It has a diverse student body and activities for every niche. Strong sports and party scene. The academics are very good and continuing to rise in the ranks. The campus is a bit boring and the town that it is in has somewhat of a crime issue. Overall, I rate it 4/5.
Review Date: 3/11/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
My education at New York University gave me more than just a Bachelor's Degree. A college degree from NYU is an education on the city of New York. With each walk to class, each ride on the subway, I learned about the diversity of culture, economic status, and opportunity that build the city of New York. Academically, NYU is rigorous and the course catalogs are endless. The core curriculum at the College of Arts and Sciences consisted of both useful practical coursework and some courses that felt... Read More
Review Date: 3/26/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I loved my experience in SNHU. The Professors, Advisors, and all the staff were very helpful. They really care about their students. My advisor will consistently reach out to me to make sure I am doing okay in all my classes. He would reach out ahead of time and from term to term to make sure I'm in the right path in obtaining my degree. All the staff I encountered, from One Stop staff to IT, were all been very helpful. I was never stressed or felt lost, because they were always there for me. I've... Read More
Review Date: 8/28/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I took advantage of OU's Distance Learning Program and found the professors rigorous and yet patient, challenging and encouraging. The college adviser was with me every step of the way, ensuring my assignments were graded and returned and that my registrations and other correspondence reached its destination.
Review Date: 1/9/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I have completed my first year of Concord Law School and wanted to share my opinions to any that might be considering it as an option. I had a lot of questions before I started so I hope this will answer some of yours. I've wanted to write a review for a while but decided not to do so until year one was in the books. My greatest concern going in was whether the quality of my education would be that of a brick and mortar school. Well it's impossible to say for sure as I have never attended one of... Read More
Review Date: 6/24/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Grand Canyon University (GCU) online program was perfect for my life. It allowed me to maintain a fulltime job while earning my Bachelors. I would definitely recommend GCU to anyone thinking about obtaining a degree, but are conflicted with work/family situations. While this is a Christian college, the university does not push the religious aspect on individuals, which makes for a much more welcoming feel, and was a major concern prior to starting classes. Looking back, I don't believe I would have... Read More
Review Date: 10/27/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Great school. Amazing business program. Its very easy to fall in the trap of skipping classes and deciding not to go to lectures. Lecture classes are huge and its easy to get notes from people, but the more you go to class the better you will do. The professors are all real life practitioners so get to know them as much as you can for future recommendations.
Review Date: 7/11/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I really enjoyed my time at Tarleton State University. I was a transfer student, I transferred there my sophomore year. My first impression was how clean and beautiful the campus was. Classes had a small-town feel, usually about 15 students per class. Professors were very knowledgeable and caring. I was a hybrid student, more of my classes were online than in person. Online classes were flexible and easy to navigate. I felt supported by staff and set up for success. I would recommend Tarleton to... Read More
Review Date: 3/18/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I had a great time at Penn State. I met a lot of my current friends while I was there, and I think it’s a very welcoming community. I also think the academics were top notch. Covid messed a lot of things up, but it professors did the best they could to make things work. I have nothing but positive things to say.
Review Date: 3/12/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Personally, I did not expect to attend Binghamton University. I wanted to say in NYC area and didn't want to travel four hours away just to attend college. I never even visited before i enrolled. However, I met some of my best friends while at college and learned a lot of life lessons while living away from home. The professors were great and everyone really cared, even the ones that I thought I didn't enjoy at the time. The school and people and internships that ive gained while attending this school... Read More
Review Date: 3/18/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I really liked my college I really feel proud of it. It’s a very good school that I would recommend to anyone. The reasons I say this is that the quality of education is good and the instructors are also good they have patience to teach and teach good materials. Apart from this the campus is really beautiful it’s like a typical outdoor space campus. It felt like each school building was a small house it’s very nice to go here.
Review Date: 3/18/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I went to the top public university in the U.S. It was a great experience from learning to developing other skills such as networking. However, my experience was not complete as my second semester in, COVID came and made us go online. After March 2020, I did not return to a classroom until January 2022.
Review Date: 3/19/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Columbia is a very interesting school experience to write about, because of its national spotlight in the wake of pro-Palestinian student protest, the latest in a number of activist movements at the school. I didn't take advantage enough of what Columbia had to offer from a networking perspective, or really academics either, but I had a good time and have a strong network of friends within the New York Area, and I'm proud of the students' role in furthering movements like the pro-Palestinian movement... Read More
Review Date: 1/15/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
All the professors at the University of Georgia were great. They put dedication into their classes and made sure students got a lot of knowledge from their classes. The Terry Business Program was a great program to be part of. It is a great school with great academics.
Review Date: 1/15/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
My time at San Jose State was filled with lots of organization mismanagement and tedious issues like lack of available classes that detracted from the school experience. SJSU is also a commuter dominant college, so myself living on campus joined the greek life to be more involved in the smaller social scene of the area. While I was going there, the campus was heavily under construction so I believe newer students will reap the benefits of new facilities that I was unable too. SJSU's drop out rates,... Read More
Review Date: 3/11/2026
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
MTSU was a great education experience. As a nontraditional adult student, I found the courses challenging, and the opportunities for engaging stimulating. I would not have found the career I enjoy with the State of Ohio were it not for my B.S. from Middle Tennessee State University. I am forever proud to be True Blue.
Review Date: 3/23/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Michigan State University provides students with a well-balanced environment that encourages exploration and cross-collaboration. I often found myself in classrooms surrounded by students representing various undergraduate degrees. Among the benefits of being an MSU student is the accessibility to explore and undertake a multitude of majors/minors across the varying residential colleges, which in turn enables for the opportunity for students to create a more comprehensive and unique degree. To this... Read More
Review Date: 3/22/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Much like any college, the experience is what a student makes of it. However, the premiere feature of St. Joseph's College is the familial aspect that is only experienced in small institutions. Not just in its cozy setting in a family neighborhood of Brooklyn, but in its people. If what a student is searching for is a place to belong, there is no other place than SJC for its close relationship between faculty and students but also the ability of professors to speak and mentor students at any time.... Read More
Review Date: 3/25/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I had a really positive time at Marist as an undergraduate student. I was able to participate in a lot of different clubs and community service initiatives, as well as mix with many different groups of friends. My professors were always willing to meet after hours to go over anything I needed, and really took the time to help you understand their subjects. The school is constantly improving and making better and more beautiful places to live and learn,
Review Date: 12/3/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The University of New Mexico has somewhat of a closed campus feeling; meaning most students do not engage with the University outside of their classes. There are many clubs and student organizations within the university, however, each organization has about 10 to 15 participants. Outside of the campus connection, the education, specifically the economics department, exceeded expectations. There is so much support within the department, and professors make themselves available to any student who... Read More
Review Date: 6/23/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No