Choosing the right college for studying economics is crucial for your future career. Here are the 30 Best Colleges for Economics in US offering exceptional economics programs in 2024. We’ll cover GPA, Median SAT, Median ACT, Acceptance Rate, Requirements, Professional Outcomes, and Academic Highlights to help you make an informed decision.
1. Harvard University
GPA: 4.18
Median SAT: 1520
Median ACT: 34
Acceptance Rate: 5%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essays.
Professional Outcomes: Harvard economics graduates are highly sought after in finance, consulting, and government sectors, with starting salaries exceeding $100,000.
Academic Highlights: Harvard offers rigorous economics courses taught by world-renowned faculty. Students engage in cutting-edge research and have access to extensive resources.
2. Princeton University
GPA: 3.91
Median SAT: 1500
Median ACT: 33
Acceptance Rate: 6%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essays.
Professional Outcomes: Princeton economics graduates excel in banking, policy analysis, and academia, with competitive starting salaries.
Academic Highlights: Princeton’s economics program emphasizes theoretical and applied economics. Students benefit from small class sizes and individualized attention.
3. Stanford University
GPA: 3.96
Median SAT: 1505
Median ACT: 34
Acceptance Rate: 4%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, personal statement, recommendation letters.
Professional Outcomes: Stanford economics graduates are recruited by leading tech firms, financial institutions, and research organizations, with starting salaries around $110,000.
Academic Highlights: Stanford offers diverse economics courses and opportunities for interdisciplinary studies. Students participate in research projects and internships.
4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
GPA: 4.17
Median SAT: 1530
Median ACT: 35
Acceptance Rate: 7%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, letters of recommendation, personal essays.
Professional Outcomes: MIT economics graduates pursue careers in academia, business, and government, with salaries averaging $120,000 upon graduation.
Academic Highlights: MIT’s economics program integrates advanced quantitative methods with real-world applications. Students collaborate with faculty on groundbreaking research.
5. University of Chicago
GPA: 3.92
Median SAT: 1510
Median ACT: 34
Acceptance Rate: 6%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essays.
Professional Outcomes: UChicago economics graduates are highly sought after in finance, consulting, and policy, with starting salaries exceeding $100,000.
Academic Highlights: UChicago is renowned for its strong emphasis on economic theory and empirical research. Students engage in intensive analytical training and seminars.
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6. Yale University
GPA: 4.12
Median SAT: 1515
Median ACT: 34
Acceptance Rate: 6%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essays.
Professional Outcomes: Yale economics graduates excel in international finance, public policy, and academia, with starting salaries averaging $110,000.
Academic Highlights: Yale offers a comprehensive economics curriculum with opportunities for interdisciplinary studies. Students benefit from close mentorship and research opportunities.
7. Columbia University
GPA: 4.13
Median SAT: 1500
Median ACT: 34
Acceptance Rate: 6%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essays.
Professional Outcomes: Columbia economics graduates are recruited by top financial institutions, multinational corporations, and government agencies, with starting salaries over $110,000.
Academic Highlights: Columbia’s economics program combines rigorous coursework with practical applications. Students have access to global research centers and internship opportunities.
8. University of Pennsylvania
GPA: 4.10
Median SAT: 1500
Median ACT: 34
Acceptance Rate: 8%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essays.
Professional Outcomes: UPenn economics graduates are highly sought after in investment banking, consulting, and policy analysis, with starting salaries exceeding $100,000.
Academic Highlights: UPenn offers a dynamic economics curriculum with a focus on analytical skills and real-world applications. Students engage in collaborative research and internships.
9. Northwestern University
GPA: 3.93
Median SAT: 1490
Median ACT: 33
Acceptance Rate: 8%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essays.
Professional Outcomes: Northwestern economics graduates pursue careers in finance, healthcare analytics, and international development, with starting salaries around $100,000.
Academic Highlights: Northwestern’s economics program emphasizes quantitative analysis and problem-solving. Students benefit from experiential learning opportunities and industry partnerships.
10. University of California, Berkeley
GPA: 3.89
Median SAT: 1430
Median ACT: 33
Acceptance Rate: 17%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, personal statement, recommendation letters.
Professional Outcomes: UC Berkeley economics graduates are recruited by tech companies, financial firms, and government agencies, with starting salaries averaging $90,000.
Academic Highlights: UC Berkeley offers a diverse economics curriculum with a focus on critical thinking and policy analysis. Students participate in research projects and internship programs.
11. Duke University
GPA: 4.08
Median SAT: 1500
Median ACT: 34
Acceptance Rate: 7%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essays.
Professional Outcomes: Duke economics graduates excel in investment banking, consulting, and public sector roles, with starting salaries over $110,000.
Academic Highlights: Duke’s economics program combines theoretical insights with practical applications. Students engage in interdisciplinary research and global experiential learning opportunities.
12. University of Michigan
GPA: 3.88
Median SAT: 1435
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 23%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essays.
Professional Outcomes: UMich economics graduates are recruited by Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations, with starting salaries averaging $90,000.
Academic Highlights: UMich offers a comprehensive economics curriculum with a focus on data analysis and policy evaluation. Students benefit from collaborative research projects and internships.
13. Brown University
GPA: 4.04
Median SAT: 1480
Median ACT: 33
Acceptance Rate: 7%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essays.
Professional Outcomes: Brown economics graduates pursue careers in finance, entrepreneurship, and international development, with starting salaries around $100,000.
Academic Highlights: Brown’s economics program emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and research. Students have opportunities to engage with faculty-led projects and global initiatives.
Best Colleges for Economics in US
14. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
GPA: 3.93
Median SAT: 1405
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 14%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, personal statement, recommendation letters.
Professional Outcomes: UCLA economics graduates are sought after in entertainment, finance, and technology sectors, with starting salaries averaging $95,000.
Academic Highlights: UCLA offers a rigorous economics curriculum with a focus on empirical research and policy analysis. Students participate in internships and study abroad programs.
15. University of Virginia
GPA: 3.87
Median SAT: 1410
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 23%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, personal statement, recommendation letters.
Professional Outcomes: UVA economics graduates excel in consulting, government policy, and financial analysis, with starting salaries around $95,000.
Academic Highlights: UVA’s economics program integrates theoretical foundations with practical applications. Students engage in experiential learning through case studies and research projects.
16. Cornell University
GPA: 4.05
Median SAT: 1480
Median ACT: 33
Acceptance Rate: 11%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essays.
Professional Outcomes: Cornell economics graduates are recruited by leading banks, multinational corporations, and research institutes, with starting salaries exceeding $110,000.
Academic Highlights: Cornell offers a rigorous economics curriculum with opportunities for independent research and collaborative projects. Students benefit from close interaction with faculty mentors.
17. Georgetown University
GPA: 3.89
Median SAT: 1450
Median ACT: 33
Acceptance Rate: 14%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essays.
Professional Outcomes: Georgetown economics graduates pursue careers in diplomacy, finance, and international trade, with starting salaries averaging $95,000.
Academic Highlights: Georgetown’s economics program emphasizes global perspectives and policy analysis. Students participate in internships and study abroad programs.
18. University of Texas at Austin
GPA: 3.84
Median SAT: 1365
Median ACT: 30
Acceptance Rate: 32%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, personal statement, recommendation letters.
Professional Outcomes: UT Austin economics graduates are recruited by tech startups, financial firms, and government agencies, with starting salaries around $85,000.
Academic Highlights: UT Austin offers a comprehensive economics curriculum with a focus on quantitative methods and real-world applications. Students benefit from internship opportunities in Austin’s vibrant economy.
19. Boston College
GPA: 3.93
Median SAT: 1440
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 27%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essays.
Professional Outcomes: Boston College economics graduates excel in investment management, healthcare analytics, and nonprofit sectors, with starting salaries averaging $90,000.
Academic Highlights: Boston College’s economics program combines theoretical insights with practical skills development. Students engage in research projects and internships.
20. University of Southern California (USC)
GPA: 3.89
Median SAT: 1455
Median ACT: 33
Acceptance Rate: 11%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, personal statement, recommendation letters.
Professional Outcomes: USC economics graduates are recruited by entertainment studios, financial institutions, and technology firms, with starting salaries around $95,000.
Academic Highlights: USC offers a dynamic economics curriculum with a focus on globalization and market analysis. Students participate in hands-on projects and networking events.
21. Vanderbilt University
GPA: 3.93
Median SAT: 1490
Median ACT: 33
Acceptance Rate: 9%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essays.
Professional Outcomes: Vanderbilt economics graduates pursue careers in healthcare consulting, finance, and public policy, with starting salaries exceeding $100,000.
Academic Highlights: Vanderbilt’s economics program emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students benefit from research opportunities and industry partnerships.
22. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
GPA: 3.83
Median SAT: 1350
Median ACT: 30
Acceptance Rate: 25%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, personal essays, recommendation letters.
Professional Outcomes: UNC Chapel Hill economics graduates work in tech, finance, and healthcare sectors, with starting salaries averaging $85,000.
Academic Highlights: UNC Chapel Hill offers a comprehensive economics curriculum with a focus on policy analysis and economic development. Students engage in community-based research and internships.
23. University of Wisconsin-Madison
GPA: 3.85
Median SAT: 1375
Median ACT: 31
Acceptance Rate: 57%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, personal statement, recommendation letters.
Professional Outcomes: UW-Madison economics graduates are recruited by government agencies, consulting firms, and research institutions, with starting salaries around $80,000.
Academic Highlights: UW-Madison offers a rigorous economics curriculum with opportunities for interdisciplinary studies and hands-on learning. Students benefit from faculty mentorship and research initiatives.
24. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
GPA: 3.76
Median SAT: 1360
Median ACT: 30
Acceptance Rate: 62%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, personal essays, recommendation letters.
Professional Outcomes: UIUC economics graduates work in finance, data analytics, and government sectors, with starting salaries averaging $80,000.
Academic Highlights: UIUC’s economics program emphasizes quantitative analysis and policy evaluation. Students engage in research projects and internships.
25. University of Florida
GPA: 3.84
Median SAT: 1370
Median ACT: 30
Acceptance Rate: 39%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, personal essays, recommendation letters.
Professional Outcomes: UF economics graduates excel in banking, marketing analytics, and public sector roles, with starting salaries averaging $85,000.
Academic Highlights: UF offers a comprehensive economics curriculum with a focus on global trade and economic policy. Students participate in experiential learning and research opportunities.
26. University of Georgia
GPA: 3.78
Median SAT: 1340
Median ACT: 29
Acceptance Rate: 49%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, personal statement, recommendation letters.
Professional Outcomes: UGA economics graduates are recruited by corporate finance departments, consulting firms, and nonprofit organizations, with starting salaries around $80,000.
Academic Highlights: UGA’s economics program combines theoretical foundations with practical applications. Students benefit from collaborative research and internship programs.
27. University of Washington
GPA: 3.82
Median SAT: 1360
Median ACT: 30
Acceptance Rate: 52%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, personal statement, recommendation letters.
Professional Outcomes: UW economics graduates work in tech startups, financial analysis, and government sectors, with starting salaries averaging $80,000.
Academic Highlights: UW offers a diverse economics curriculum with a focus on quantitative methods and policy analysis. Students engage in hands-on projects and internships.
28. University of Maryland, College Park
GPA: 3.80
Median SAT: 1370
Median ACT: 30
Acceptance Rate: 44%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, personal essays, recommendation letters.
Professional Outcomes: Maryland economics graduates pursue careers in international trade, healthcare management, and economic consulting, with starting salaries around $85,000.
Academic Highlights: Maryland offers a robust economics program with a focus on applied economics and public policy. Students participate in research and internship opportunities.
29. University of Pittsburgh
GPA: 3.75
Median SAT: 1360
Median ACT: 30
Acceptance Rate: 57%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, personal statement, recommendation letters.
Professional Outcomes: Pitt economics graduates are recruited by financial institutions, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations, with starting salaries averaging $80,000.
Academic Highlights: Pitt offers an interdisciplinary economics curriculum with a focus on urban economics and policy analysis. Students benefit from faculty mentorship and research opportunities.
30. University of Massachusetts Amherst
GPA: 3.74
Median SAT: 1300
Median ACT: 28
Acceptance Rate: 60%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, personal essays, recommendation letters.
Professional Outcomes: UMass Amherst economics graduates work in banking, market research, and government sectors, with starting salaries around $75,000.
Academic Highlights: UMass Amherst offers a comprehensive economics curriculum with a focus on economic development and environmental economics. Students engage in hands-on learning and research projects.
Best Colleges for Economics – Conclusion
Choosing a college for economics involves considering not just academic rigor but also professional opportunities and personal growth. Each of these top 30 colleges offers a unique blend of theoretical insights and practical applications, preparing students for diverse careers in finance, consulting, public policy, and beyond. From Ivy League institutions like Harvard and Princeton to public universities like UCLA and UVA, the emphasis on critical thinking, data analysis, and policy evaluation equips graduates with the skills needed to thrive in a competitive global economy. Whether pursuing a career in economic research, corporate finance, or international trade, these colleges provide robust programs supported by experienced faculty and extensive resources. Ultimately, the right choice depends on aligning academic strengths with career aspirations, ensuring a fulfilling educational journey and promising professional trajectory in the field of economics.