Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees In Economics

A ranking of the cheapest online master's in economics degrees. Programs ranked by affordability, flexibility, and academic quality.
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Updated May 8, 2023

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A master's degree in economics can lead to a range of careers in multidisciplinary roles that include economics, finance, statistics and journalism, amongst other fields.

The work of such roles includes, but is not limited to, analyzing economic trends data to forecast future trends, and the impact they'll have on businesses and consumers.

If you're looking for other affordable master's programs as well, take a look at our list of the most affordable graduate schools.

Explore Programs From Boston University

Sample economics-related careers include:

Ranking Methodology

This college ranking was based on 10 colleges across the U.S. that offer an online master's-level degree program in Finance, or as a concentration of an MBA or other graduate degree.

The ranking is based on in-state tuition. Note that per-credit-hour costs are listed where available, but may not be equivalent to the NCES (http://nces.ed/gov/) tuition data, which can be one AY (Academic Year) behind, while collge Web site data can be update more frequently. We've also included Payscale salary data for colleges, as available, but the values are not part of this ranking.

Most Affordable Online Master's in Economics Degrees

See our rankings methodology page.

#1 Most Affordable Online Master’s Degrees In Economics

Georgia Southern University

  • Statesboro, GA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Many students want to attend graduate school online, and Georgia Southern University offers that privilege from the Statesboro, Georgia, campus. A leader in online graduate education, the school offers 19 remote master's programs. Those interested in the economics field should explore the master of science in applied economics.

Graduate students can use online education to accomplish a goal that may otherwise seem unachievable because of logistical issues. Real-time interaction is often not required, and enrollees can complete coursework at their own pace. This format does not come at the expense of academic rigor or advanced career preparation.

Georgia Southern University’s admission statistics show that about 54% of applicants get in, with some variations across program. Master's degree-seekers usually need a bachelor's degree in the major or a related one to receive consideration. Contact the school to see how to apply to this program and submit the required documents.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,371
Out-of-state
$15,425
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$4,977
Out-of-state
$19,890
Retention Rate
78%
Acceptance Rate
54%
Students Enrolled
26,054
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
41% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 Most Affordable Online Master’s Degrees In Economics

University of North Dakota

  • Grand Forks, ND
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of North Dakota’s academic catalog includes rigorous graduate education available online. The master's degree in applied economics and predictive analytics is an excellent choice for learners with a bachelor’s degree in economics who want to advance their education with a master’s degree. Enrollees complete an accredited curriculum with little need to relocate or give up their full-time jobs.

Students in the master's degree in applied economics and predictive analytics receive more individualized attention with a 17-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. Faculty teach a rigorous curriculum that both educates and engages economics learners. This degree positions graduates for career advancement and higher-paying positions.

Paying for college is a top issue, and North Dakota students can expect to pay $10,534 per year. Out-of-state students pay $18,434. The scholarships and grants available to many degree-seekers help them reduce the price of tuition. Another option are student loans, and about 45% of enrollees use them to finance all or part of their degree.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,212
Out-of-state
$14,371
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,534
Out-of-state
$18,434
Retention Rate
78%
Acceptance Rate
81%
Students Enrolled
13,581
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
45% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#3 Most Affordable Online Master’s Degrees In Economics

Youngstown State University

  • Youngstown, OH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Youngstown State University provides economics students with an online financial economics master of arts program that ranks highly among similar degree offerings. A bachelor’s degree provides foundational education compared to the advanced training in this program. If they choose, graduates with an online financial economics master of arts can also pursue a doctorate later on.

Many learners appreciate the school’s convenient online format. The program gives students an opportunity to manage various aspects of their lives without sacrificing the advanced education a master’s degree provides. Enrollees benefit from a supportive learning environment no matter the mode of delivery they choose to pursue advanced education.

For consideration, applicants usually need to have a bachelor's degree. Youngstown State University show a 67% admission rate with some variances across programs. Once accepted, students  pay $6,058 per year in in-state tuition. Grants, loans, and scholarships make up popular funding streams for those who qualify.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,705
Out-of-state
$9,065
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,058
Out-of-state
$9,058
Retention Rate
73%
Acceptance Rate
67%
Students Enrolled
12,110
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
37% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#4 Most Affordable Online Master’s Degrees In Economics

Purdue University-Main Campus

  • West Lafayette, IN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

At Purdue University-Main Campus, degree-seekers can choose from a variety of online graduate programs. A notable option is the online master of science in economics developed for learners with a bachelor’s in economics. Enrollees complete a rigorous curriculum that uses a flexible format to accommodate their schedules.

A 13-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio facilitates faculty mentorship opportunities and collaboration in this online master of science in economics. Learners in the program complete specialized coursework and training focusing on advanced ideas and practices in economics. The rigorous academic preparation that a master’s provides makes potential employees stands out.

Indiana students pay a yearly average of $9,208, while those living out of state pay $28,010. The scholarships and grants available to many degree-seekers help them reduce the price of tuition. About 29% of the Purdue University's learners take out a student loan, another way to fund their degree.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,208
Out-of-state
$28,010
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,208
Out-of-state
$28,010
Retention Rate
91%
Acceptance Rate
60%
Students Enrolled
45,500
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
22% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#5 Most Affordable Online Master’s Degrees In Economics

Southern New Hampshire University

  • Manchester, NH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Southern New Hampshire University is a private college offering many programs from its Manchester, New Hampshire, campus. A leader in online graduate education, the institution offers 22 online master's degrees. Among the options is the online master's in economics degree.

The adaptability of this program is a big draw for students with a hectic schedule that demands flexibility. Real-time interaction is often not required, and enrollees can complete coursework at their own pace within a given timeframe. This online format allows faculty to seamlessly integrate academic rigor, advanced career preparation, and flexible scheduling.

Overall, about 88% of applicants get admitted each year, with some variations to be expected depending on the program. Degree-seekers need a bachelor’s degree for admission to most master’s programs.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$30,756
Out-of-state
$30,756
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$18,810
Out-of-state
$18,810
Retention Rate
65%
Acceptance Rate
88%
Students Enrolled
113,514
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
94% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

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