In this article, we profile the top 15 online bachelor’s in economics degrees from some of the nation’s top-ranked institutions.
Jobs for economics majors vary. Some careers are highly technical, manipulating data and drilling down numbers. Others focus on business strategies and building relationships in the workplace. The economics major offers a variety of skills that can be applied to just about any industry.
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For this list we reviewed 45 accredited colleges and universities that offer online bachelor’s in economics degree programs. We also looked at schools with online business programs that offer economics concentrations, coursework, or available master’s in economics degree options. We reviewed rankings from major publications like Forbes magazine, The Princeton Review, and U.S. News and World Report. Many of the schools have received regional or national rankings from these major publications. We selected the most affordable schools for our list based on undergraduate tuition and fees listed by NCES College Navigator. Schools are listed in order of affordability.
Below are the resulting selections for our top 15 online bachelor’s in economics degrees.
#15 – Southern New Hampshire University
Online Bachelor’s in Economics
Manchester, New Hampshire
Undergraduate tuition: $30,386
Southern New Hampshire University offers an accredited online economics bachelor’s degree program. It’s designed for working and busy students. The program emphasizes empirical thought and prepares students for careers using interpretive and scientific skills. All classes are delivered online and include:
- domestic finance and economics
- international finance
- world economics
The program and school are accredited and ranked with major publications. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the institution as the 131st best regional university in the North. Additional rankings include #1 for most innovative school and #90 for best colleges for veterans. Southern New Hampshire University earns the 15th spot on our list for best online bachelor’s degrees in economics.
#14 – Ottawa University
Online Bachelor’s in Business Economics
Ottawa, Kansas
Undergraduate tuition: $26,204
Ottawa University offers an online economics bachelor degree that focuses on the business components of the field. Students graduate with a bachelor’s in business economics and have the choice of eight available concentrations. Online courses include:
- accounting for business operations
- economics of managerial decisions
- financing and investing activities
- macroeconomics
- microeconomics
- spatial economics
Students are also encouraged to take international economics and special topics in global business. Ottawa is regionally ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 62nd best regional college in the Midwest. For those interested in pursuing graduate school, Ottawa’s online graduate business programs are also ranked.
#13 – Pennsylvania State University
Online Bachelor of Science in Economics
University Park, Pennsylvania
Undergraduate tuition: $17,514
Pennsylvania State University offers an accredited online economics bachelor degree program that prepares students for careers in:
- business
- economics
- marketing
Busy and working students take flexible courses that are delivered entirely online. These courses include:
- introduction to econometrics
- intermediate microeconomic analysis
- introductory macroeconomic analysis and policy
- statistical foundations for econometrics
Electives allow students to explore particular areas of interest like:
- international economics
- money and banking
- public expenditures
Penn State is nationally ranked by major publications like Forbes magazine and U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school #47 for best national universities. Also, the graduate economics school ranks #27 in the country.
#12 – Franklin University
Online Bachelor’s in Business Economics
Columbus, Ohio
Undergraduate tuition: $11,641
Franklin University’s affordable online bachelor’s in economics combines business and economics courses. This combination gives students a quality curriculum that helps them navigate the world of business and finance. Economics courses are delivered entirely online and include:
- economic modeling and forecasting
- economic reporting and analysis
- global and emerging markets
- managerial economics
- sustainable economic development
Franklin is an accredited institution that is also ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. The school’s online bachelor’s programs rank #106 in the most recent edition of Best Colleges. For those interested in pursuing a graduate degree, the school’s online graduate business programs (excluding the MBA) are ranked 68th in the nation.
#11 – University of Georgia
Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration
Athens, Georgia
Undergraduate tuition: $11,622
For those interested in pursuing an online economics bachelor’s or related degree program, the University of Georgia offers an online business program that may be well suited. Students earn a BBA that incorporates economics courses like international business environment and statistical analysis. Students also have the opportunity to take economics electives that focus on other areas of the field. University of Georgia is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the 61st best national university and 21st top public school.
#10 – Ashford University
Online Bachelor’s in Business Economics
San Diego, California
WebsiteUndergraduate tuition: $10,720
Ashford University offers an IACBE accredited online economics degree. It’s designed to equip students with the business skills needed to work in various decision-making roles. The program combines business and economics coursework and delivers all classes online. Even working students can take advantage of the flexibility offered by the program. Courses include:
- financial institutions and markets
- international economics
- principles of econometrics
- statistics for managers
Available electives allow students to hone their interests and skills in areas like:
- business law
- international finance
- strategic management
Ashford is recognized by major publications like U.S. News and World Report.
#9 – Colorado State University
Online Bachelor’s in Economics
Fort Collins, Colorado
Undergraduate tuition: $10,558
Colorado State University offers the online economics bachelor’s program. It’s for busy and working students who require flexibility when it comes to education. The same faculty who teach on the main campus deliver the online courses and instruction. Online courses include:
- gender and the economy
- history of economic institutions
- issues in environmental economics
- regional economics
Students can also choose from six online minors, including:
- business administration
- political science
- sociology
Colorado State is a nationally ranked institution by U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent edition of Best Colleges ranks the school as the 127th best national university. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #86 in the nation.
#8 – Oregon State University
Online Bachelor’s in Economics
Corvallis, Oregon
Undergraduate tuition: $10,107
Oregon State University is a top-ranked institution that offers an accredited online economics bachelor’s degree program. All classes are delivered by OSU’s distinguished faculty. Students are able to supplement their degree by selecting an online minor. Three concentration areas are available for economics students, including :
- general comprehensive training in modern economics
- law and policy economics
- managerial economics
Online courses include:
- advanced microeconomic theory
- econometrics
- introduction to macroeconomics
- public policy analysis
The school is ranked by major publications like The Princeton Review and U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school as the 135th best national university. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #7 in the nation.
#7 – University of North Dakota
Online Bachelor of General Studies
Grand Forks, North Dakota
Undergraduate tuition: $7,965
The bachelor’s in general studies at University of North Dakota is a liberal arts degree program. It’s perfect for those in search of an online bachelor’s in economics. While not an economics bachelor’s degree, the general program incorporates economics and business courses. These help prepare students for careers in related fields. The program provides a great deal of freedom so students can select courses that fit their interests and career goals. Also, to provide affordable education options, the school offers in-state tuition regardless of residency. University of North Dakota is a nationally ranked institution. According to U.S. News and World Report, the school ranks #180 among best national universities.
#6 – Eastern Oregon University
Online Bachelor’s in Economics
La Grande, Oregon
Undergraduate tuition: $7,764
Eastern Oregon University offers an accredited online economics bachelor degree provides an understanding of economic and social issues that impact the world. Classes are delivered online and taught by the same faculty who teach on campus. Required courses include:
- history of economic thought
- principles of macro- and microeconomics
- social science research methods
Eastern Oregon University is a regionally ranked institution by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the school is ranked as a best regional university in the West. The online bachelor’s programs rank #63 in the country.
#5 – University of Wisconsin
Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration – Broad Economic Issues
Whitewater, Wisconsin
Undergraduate tuition: $7,637
University of Wisconsin offers an accredited online BBA degree program that is well suited for those seeking an online economics bachelor’s degree. While the degree is in business administration, students may choose to hone their interests in broad economic issues. Online economics courses available include:
- growth and development in the world economy
- economics of labor markets and policies
- history of economic thought
- money and banking
- public finance
Students are also required to take principles of macro- and microeconomics as well as several accounting courses. The university is ranked by major publications like Forbes magazine and U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school as the 50th best regional university in the Midwest. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #7 in the country.
#4 – Utah State University
Online Bachelor’s in Economics
Logan, Utah
Undergraduate tuition: $7,260
Utah State University offers an online bachelor’s in economics degree program that is designed with working students in mind. Flexible coursework and class delivery make it feasible for working students to pursue an online economics degree at Utah State. Students can choose from four areas of emphasis, including:
- economics theory
- international economics and trade
- managerial economics
- prelaw economics
Online courses include:
- applied econometrics
- comparative economic systems
- introduction to global economics
- money and banking
- public finance
Utah State is a nationally ranked institution by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. Also, the most recent edition of Best Colleges ranks the school as the 20th best online bachelor’s programs in the country.
#3 – West Texas A&M University
Online BBA in Economics
Canyon, Texas
Undergraduate tuition: $7,041
Interested in an undergraduate online economics degree? West Texas A&M University offers an AACSB-accredited online bachelor’s in business administration with an economics plan of study. This means that students graduate with an online BBA degree and emphasis in economics. Classes are delivered online and include:
- intermediate macroeconomic theory
- intermediate microeconomic theory
- principles of macro- and microeconomics
- strategic management and policy
Economics electives may include economics of healthcare or international economics. West Texas A&M is a regionally ranked institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as a best regional university in the West. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #11 in the country.
#2 – Georgia Southern University
Online Bachelor of General Studies
Statesboro, Georgia
Undergraduate tuition: $6,273
The online bachelor’s in general studies program from Georgia Southern University offers a unique option for those interested in an online bachelor’s in economics degree. Students explore a wide range of classes in three areas of study. Students may choose business as one of their study areas, which includes economics and related social sciences. Other areas of study include:
- sociology
- public administration
- writing
Georgia Southern is a nationally ranked institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as a best national university and top school for getting an online bachelor’s degree. In the recent edition of Best Colleges, the school’s online bachelor’s programs rank #114 in the nation.
#1 – University of West Georgia
Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration – Economics
Carrollton, Georgia
Undergraduate tuition: $6,143
University of West Georgia offers a bachelor’s in business administration with a major in economics. This unique degree program is also offered 60% online. It’s designed with the working student in mind. While the majority of courses are delivered online, some attendance may be required on the Carrollton campus. Courses include:
- comparative economic systems
- international economics
- macroeconomic policy
- principles of microeconomics
- statistics for business
The University of West Georgia is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent edition of Best Colleges lists the school as the 87th best regional university in the South. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #72. UWG’s online bachelor’s in economics ranks #1 on our list.
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