What Is Economics?
Economics is the study of how societies use scarce resources to produce valuable commodities and distribute them among different people. International students who want to study economics in USA can develop skills in mathematics, analytics, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
Bachelor of economics course list include areas of study like agriculture, natural resources, and the environment, behavioral economics, business economics, economic history, economic development, financial economics, health, and education economics.
median salary for economists (May 2024)
of economists work in government & research sectors
projected job growth by 2033
Featured Universities
- #102 U.S. News RankingAuburn UniversityAuburn, AlabamaStarting Tuition$38,314Location TypeLarge cityTotal Enrollment30,440RegionSouthCollege of Agriculture
- Agricultural Business & Economics
College of Liberal Arts- Economics
Less - Agricultural Business & Economics
- #97 U.S. News RankingFlorida International UniversityMiami, FloridaStarting Tuition$21,012Location TypeLarge cityTotal Enrollment58,064RegionSouthBusiness, Finance & Economics
- Economics
Less - Economics
- #169 U.S. News RankingLouisiana State UniversityBaton Rouge, LouisianaStarting Tuition$25,200Location TypeLarge cityTotal Enrollment30,985RegionSouthE.J. Ourso College of Business
- Economics, BS
College of Humanities & Social Sciences- Economics, BA
Less - Economics, BS
- #42 U.S. News RankingRutgers University- New BrunswickNew Brunswick, New JerseyAverage Tuition$39,649Location TypeLarge cityTotal Enrollment35,000RegionNortheastSchool of Arts and Sciences
- Economics, BA
School of Environmental and Biological Sciences- Environmental and Business Economics, BS
Less - Economics, BA
- #59 U.S. News RankingStony Brook UniversityStony Brook, New YorkAverage Tuition$28,874Location TypeMidsize cityTotal Enrollment26,000RegionNortheastCollege of Arts and Sciences
- Economics
Less - Economics
- #75 U.S. News RankingUniversity at BuffaloBuffalo, New YorkAverage Tuition$24,990Location TypeLarge cityTotal Enrollment32,332RegionNortheastCollege of Arts And Sciences
- Economics - STEM designated
- Mathematics-Economics - STEM designated
- Philosophy, Politics and Economics
- AI and Quantitative Economics, BS
College of Arts and Sciences Combined Degree Programs- Economics BA/Econometrics and Quantitative Economics MS
Less - Economics - STEM designated
- #84 U.S. News RankingUniversity of Illinois at ChicagoChicago, IllinoisStarting Tuition$31,996Location TypeLarge cityTotal Enrollment33,390RegionMidwestLiberal Arts & Sciences
- Economics
- Spanish Economics
Less - Economics
- #143 U.S. News RankingUniversity of KansasLawrence, KansasAverage Tuition$26,960Location TypeLarge cityTotal Enrollment27,690RegionMidwestCollege of Liberal Arts & Sciences
- Economics
Less - Economics
- #127 U.S. News RankingUniversity of South CarolinaColumbia, South CarolinaStarting Tuition$37,292Location TypeLarge cityTotal Enrollment34,795RegionSouthDarla Moore School of Business
- Economics
College of Arts & Sciences- Economics BA
- Economics BS
Less - Economics
- #151 U.S. News RankingUniversity of UtahSalt Lake City, UtahStarting Tuition$33,670Location TypeLarge cityTotal Enrollment32,994RegionWestCollege of Social and Behavioral Science
- Economics (B.A. and B.S.)
Less - Economics (B.A. and B.S.)
- #213 U.S. News RankingUniversity of Massachusetts BostonBoston, MassachusettsStarting Tuition$38,620Location TypeLarge cityTotal Enrollment15,989RegionNortheastCollege of Liberal Arts
- Economics
Less - Economics

- Compare your matches
- Apply with ease
- Speak with experts
Bachelor of Economics Degree FAQs
Where can I study economics in the US?
There are many universities offering economics undergraduate courses in the USA for international students. Shorelight works with top-ranked universities like American University, the University of Illinois Chicago, UMass Boston, and the University of South Carolina.
What undergraduate economics courses do colleges offer for international students?
Students can explore economics courses that cover a wide variety of theories and principles that shape global markets. Studying for a BA in economics in the USA can include:
Applied econometrics
International trade
Macroeconomics
Microeconomics
Money and financial institutions
Statistics
Check out Shorelight’s academic assistance services for more information about excelling in your bachelor of economics courses.
What requirements are needed to study undergraduate economics in the US?
Typically, the entry requirements to apply for an undergraduate economics degree in the US include a high school diploma or equivalent with a sufficient GPA, SAT or ACT scores, and English language proficiency.
For a master’s degree in economics, students are required to have a four-year bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study, and provide GRE scores. However, these requirements may vary depending on the university you attend. When you apply for a degree program in economics at a Shorelight university, you will receive exclusive support services including dedicated application assistance, English language help, a streamlined application process, and more.
How many years does it take to earn a bachelor’s degree in economics in the US?
Typically, economics undergraduate courses in the USA may take four years to complete and a master’s degree in economics usually requires one or two years. However, the duration may vary depending on the degree program and the university you attend.
There are many pathways to apply for bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. Learn more by visiting bachelor’s degree programs or master’s in economics programs.
What can you do with a bachelor’s degree in economics?
There are many job opportunities for a graduate with a bachelor degree in economics in the USA. Here are some examples.
Accountant
Actuary
Credit analyst
Data analyst
Economic researcher
Economist
Financial consultant
Financial planner
Financial risk analyst
Investment analyst
Market research analyst
Public sector roles
For more information, please refer to career development and international student services.
Which undergraduate degree is best for economics?
Students can choose to pursue a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) in economics. A Bachelor of Science is better suited to students who want to learn more about the statistics and mathematical side of the economy, while a Bachelor of Arts focuses on theoretical principles and history of the financial sector. As an economics undergraduate in the USA, you can gain a longer Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension if you opt for a BS in economics compared to a BA economics in the USA. A Shorelight advisor can provide you with support when making a decision about which undergraduate degree is best for you. Connect with a Shorelight advisor.
How much does it cost to get a bachelor of economics degree?
The cost of a bachelor degree in economics in the USA can cost between $30,780 and $43,350, depending on the university, method of study, and more. To learn more about scholarship opportunities, tuition costs, and financial aid for a BA economics in USA, please visit research and resources.
Should you get a bachelor’s degree in economics?
If you want to pursue a career as an economist, investment analyst, or apply for government sector roles, a degree in economics can help you develop relevant and required skill sets. A bachelor degree in economics covers advanced macroeconomic and microeconomic concepts, and offers a deep understanding of how consumer behavior affects different aspects of the money market. You can develop deep critical thinking abilities, communication skills, analytical capabilities, and more with an economics degree.
The knowledge and skills you gain from an economics degree program can be applied to many industries resulting in a successful career outlook. Please visit academic assistance for more information about how to enroll for a bachelor of economics and become an economics undergraduate in the USA.