Do you want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Economics? Are you eager to know more about finance, business, and international trade, but do not want to school the traditional way? Then, you should consider pursuing an online economics degree.
Some accredited universities and colleges of economics offer these degrees online, and they are as good as economic degrees acquired in traditional schools.
While you might encounter specific issues related to finance when pursuing an Online Economics Degree, the ability to attend classes from anywhere makes up for it.
We have compiled the best list of the USA’s 17 Cheapest Online Economics Degree Programs.
This list will help you make a quicker and better decision and kick-start your Online Economics Degree program.
Table of contents
- What Is Economics?
- Most Affordable Economics Degrees Online
- #1. University of Massachusetts-Lowell
- #2. Liberty University
- #3. Oregon State University
- #4. Colorado State University-Fort Collins
- #5. Arizona State University
- #6. Washington State University
- #7. The University of Utah
- #8. East Tennessee State University
- #9. Regent University
- #10. Utah State University
- #11. Eastern Oregon University
- #12. Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
- #13. Ottawa University-Online
- #14. University of North Carolina-Pembroke
- #15. West Texas A & M University
- FAQ: Cheapest Online Economics Degree In the USA
- Conclusion
- References
- R ecommendation
What Is Economics?
Economics is a social science concerned with producing, distributing, and consuming goods and services.
It studies how individuals, businesses, governments, and nations make choices in allocating resources to satisfy their wants and needs, trying to determine how these groups should organize and coordinate efforts to achieve maximum output.
Economics is the social science that aims to understand human behaviour using psychology or sociology and studying society through mathematics and statistics.
Economics has two sub-disciplines. The first is Microeconomics, which analyses the interaction between different economic agents. The second is macroeconomics, which explores the entire economy of a society.
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Why Study Economics?
Studying economics is an excellent way to acquire problem-solving skills and develop a logical, ordered way of thinking. Those who study economics use rigorous analysis methods to measure the economic impacts of factors like resource availability, scarcity, government policy, social institutions, and individual decision-making by consumers and businesses.
This fascinating field of study advances our understanding of how complex economic systems function, increasing the ability to improve financial outcomes on both a small and massive scale. It can provide deep explanations for impactful social phenomena, making economics an enriching field.
A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Economics teaches you about interest rates, exchange rates, economic indicators, and equity markets, allowing you to see how they influence different industries worldwide.
Economics courses will also focus on economic theory and fundamental economic principles. Students develop a broad understanding of public policies and their socio-economic impact on legislation, taxes, services, and regulations.
Economics students learn how money was created and understand how barter works. Other classes will deal with banks, the dynamics of debt, the nature of the credits, and their operation.
Also, when you pursue a degree in economics, you will study financial crashes and their causes and try to devise ways to prevent future economic disasters.
Furthermore, you will have debates on important issues, such as whether markets are self-regulating or if government intervention is needed to keep them stable.
This will allow you to broaden your economic knowledge and better understand how global economies interact.
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Which Skills Does an Economist Need?
To be a great economist, you’ll need the following skills:
- problem-solving skills,
- critical thinking,
- analytical abilities,
- communication skills,
- detail-oriented,
- mathematical skills,
- writing skills.
Critical thinking skills: Economists must be able to use logic and reasoning to solve complex problems. For example, they could identify how economic trends can affect an organization.
Analytical skills: Economists should be able to review data, observe trends, and draw logical conclusions. For example, some economists analyze historical employment trends to make employment projections.
Communication skills: Economists need to be able to explain their work to others. They can make presentations, explain reports, or advise clients on economic issues. They can collaborate with colleagues, and sometimes, they have to explain financial concepts to those without experience in economics.
Detail-oriented: Economists must pay attention to details and analyze data precisely to ensure the accuracy of their findings.
Mathematical Skills: Economists use the principles of statistics, calculus, and other advanced topics in mathematics in their economic analyses.
Writing Skills: Economists need to present their findings and conclusions. Many prepare reports for their colleagues or clients, while others write for publication in magazines or the media.
What Can You Do With A Degree In Economics?
The economy influences the future of consumers, businesses, and governments. Those with the power to understand it, interpret its impact, and make informed decisions and predictions based upon it can create a career for themselves in nearly any industry.
Economics degree training provides excellent preparation for graduate work in economics, public policy, law, and business. Economics graduates work professionally in the public (federal, state and local government) and private (banking, consulting, retail, and corporate) sectors.
Potential careers for economics graduates at all levels of study include actuary, appraiser, banking and finance, business analyst, claims adjuster, commodities broker, compliance analyst, industry forecaster, investor relations specialist, risk analyst, and many others.
Most Affordable Economics Degrees Online
We have compiled a list of some of the Cheapest Online Economics Degrees in the United States where you can get an online degree in economics.
These economics online degree programs can be earned alone as a bachelor’s degree in economics, such as an Online BS or BA in Economics, or as a concentration in another field, such as an online business economics degree.
List of 17 Cheapest Online Economics Degrees
- University of Massachusetts-Lowell
- Liberty University
- Oregon State University
- Colorado State University-Fort Collins
- Arizona State University
- Washington State University
- The University of Utah
- East Tennessee State University
- Regent University
- Utah State University
- Eastern Oregon University
- Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
- Ottawa University-Online
- University of North Carolina-Pembroke
- West Texas A & M University
#1. University of Massachusetts-Lowell
Online Bachelor of Liberal Arts–Economics Concentration
The University of Massachusetts at Lowell offers a unique program unlike any other on this online economics degree ranking.
UML’s Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree program lets students combine the humanities and social sciences. Each concentration consists of six classes.
For instance, if you choose the economics focus area, you’ll get to pick from classes like “Labor Economics,” “Microeconomic Theory,” and “Investments: Instruments and Strategies.” As for your second focus, this program offers options in political science, history, and legal studies–all of which combine perfectly with the study of economics.
Tuition & Fees: $23,332/year
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#2. Liberty University
Online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration-Economics
Liberty University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an economic concentration. The University’s 100% online B.S. in Business Administration-Economics degree is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business School and Programs (ACBSP).
The core coursework will include various business-oriented classes, from corporate finance and accounting to marketing and strategic planning.
However, to complete this affordable online business economics degree, you will take a four-course economics “cognate,” which covers crucial topics like economic forecasting, trade, and the financial system.
You are also to take several elective classes, up to nine. In addition, you can earn as many as six credits by completing an internship.
This online bachelor’s in Economics degree will equip future leaders to understand business and economics. With Liberty’s online BSBA degree in Economics, you will gain practical finance, business, accounting, and international trade skills that will prepare you to thrive in your career and everyday life.
Tuition & Fees: $21,310/year
#3. Oregon State University
Online BS or BA in Economics
The bachelor’s in economics program is offered through OSU’s College of Liberal Arts, ranked No. 1 in the nation for best online liberal arts colleges. OSU Ecampus delivers the courses online.
Oregon State University’s economics program is designed to help students achieve various career goals.
For instance, the program’s Managerial Economics concentration is ideal if you want to work in business. It includes advanced accounting, financial management, international economics, and banking coursework.
However, OSU’s accredited online economics program offers a concentration in Law, Economics, and Policy for students more interested in a career in politics or research. Majors on this track pick from specialized electives like “Behavioral Economics,” “Labor Economics and Social Policy,” and “Deductive Logic.”
Notwithstanding, participants in both tracks benefit from OSU’s robust e-campus resources, including online tutoring and success counseling.
Tuition & Fees: $309/credit; $20,212/yr
#4. Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Online BA in Economics
CSU offers an affordable bachelor’s degree in economics online. This degree helps you understand how the economy influences the future of consumers, businesses, and governments, interpret its impact, and make informed decisions and predictions.
CSU’s online economics degree equips you with various perspectives to analyze complex problems from multiple angles — a valuable skill in today’s rapidly changing global marketplace.
Learn to think broadly and critically through a blended curriculum that builds technical knowledge and an understanding of how human behavior influences economic systems.
Tuition & Fees: $20,149/year
#5. Arizona State University
Online Bachelor of Science in Economics
The ASU Online Bachelor of Science in Economics provides students with rigorous theoretical and empirical tools to study the decisions of individuals, firms, and governments.
Arizona State University offers its online economics degree program not through the business school but through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. However, the introductory courses are the same as those offered by the W.P. Carey School of Business on campus.
In addition, an online Bachelor of Science in Economics offers students great flexibility in selecting elective coursework to satisfy degree requirements.
The economics curriculum can be paired with customized electives to suit individual interests. Those interested in government or public-sector work may pair the economics curriculum with political science or urban planning courses. Those wishing for private sector preparation may choose to minor in business.
Tuition & Fees: $19,082/year
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#6. Washington State University
Online Bachelor of Science in Economic Sciences—Business Economics
Washington State University offers a particularly robust economics program on business and technical skill development.
As an accredited online business economics degree program, the program offers coursework in banking, labor economics, industrial organization, and related topics.
In addition, WSU couples these topics with a separate set of foundational economics courses and skills-based classes like “Technical and Professional Writing” and “Statistical Methods.”
The program also offers specific career training, allowing you to choose between two nine-credit concentrations: management or Commodity Marketing.
Tuition & Fees: $18,604/year
#7. The University of Utah
Online BS or BA in Economics
The University of Utah’s online bachelor’s degree in economics is one of the cheapest online economics degree programs.
They provide high-quality core theory and mathematical/statistical methods courses, a range of focus areas and elective coursework that can be taken in conjunction with traditional campus-based courses.
The online courses’ flexibility will enable you to complete the economics degree efficiently and on your schedule.
Students must also take courses in two of three “focus areas” (econometrics, economic history, and history of economic thought) and four open, upper-division electives in economics. These concentrations make for unique course options, such as “Marxian Economics,” “Middle East Economic History,” and “Manias, Panics, and Crashes.”
Tuition & Fees: $18,505/year
#8. East Tennessee State University
Online BA in Economics
The mission of the Department of Economics and Finance is to provide students with the educational experience necessary to succeed in a competitive global environment. The university offers four cheap bachelor’s degrees in economics online.
Students can earn a mostly online Bachelor of Business Administration degree in either Economics or Finance or a mostly online Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics.
There are three primarily online degree options in Economics and Finance, with various concentration options: Economics, B.A., Economics, B.B.A. and Finance, B.B.A.
In addition to the standard Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics, B.A., ETSU also offers a BBA in Economics with concentrations in General Business, Business Economics, and Financial Economics.
The bachelor of arts in Economics is best suited for non-business professionals and covers economic history, econometrics, and public policy topics.
On the other hand, the BBA degrees put a much greater emphasis on business and management. Of the three, General Business provides the broadest selection of courses, while Financial Economics is the most focused (classes emphasize Wall Street staples like “Principles of Investment” and “Banking and Financial Intermediation”).
Tuition & Fees: $17,571/year
#9. Regent University
Online B.S. in Business – Economics
Regent’s online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Business–Economics builds upon the core strength of the school’s business degree to prepare you for a successful career in finance, banking, and more.
You’ll learn about cost and inflation theories, estimation, market structure, and capital budgeting. Also, grow your knowledge of macro-and microeconomics, political economy, entrepreneurship, and market processes.
The curriculum principally focuses on managerial concepts like accounting, marketing, law, and finance. However, you will get a compact sequence of econ lessons (six classes, to be exact) to complement your business studies. Examples include “Political Economy,” “History of Economic Thought,” and “Entrepreneurship, Market Processes, and Economic Growth.”
Average Tuition & Fees: $17,288/year
#10. Utah State University
Online BS or BA in Economics
As one of the cheapest online economics programs, USU offers an affordable and impressively versatile option. Students in the economics major learn how to think critically, solve problems, and work with numbers, among other skills.
The program’s coursework also provides a firm grounding in economic theory, which can lead to unique career opportunities in policy analysis.
Students pursuing economics gain valuable research experience that prepares them for graduate school or various careers in business.
Four Emphasis Options are available in Economics: Economic Theory, Managerial Economics, Prelaw Economics, and International Economics and Trade.
In addition, students receive a BS by completing all required courses in the major. To receive a BA, students must also gain proficiency in one or more foreign languages. A dual major in accounting and economics is also available. Students meeting the requirements for the dual major can receive a BA or a BS.
Tuition & Fees: $14,695/year
Download 2019-20 USU tuition-fee schedule HERE
However, the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business may charge differential tuition for this program.
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#11. Eastern Oregon University
Online Bachelor’s Degree in Economics
If you want to pursue a career in public policy, business, or finance or graduate work in Economics, the EOU Economics degree may be for you.
Eastern Oregon University recognizes that economics majors typically pursue careers in various fields, from finance to law to education.
So, instead of trying to limit its students’ job options, EOU’s economics program gives its students a wide range of opportunities to explore the topics that interest them.
This online economics program includes a few core requirements in addition to some foundational economics, mathematics, and statistics classes.
Tuition & Fees: $14,022/year
#12. Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
Online Bachelor of Science in Economics
In this program, you will have the opportunity to study with highly regarded faculty from Penn State’s College of the Liberal Arts, one of the premier institutions in the world for learning and working in the liberal arts disciplines.
The curriculum of this program is designed to teach you to think critically and analytically to make or recommend decisions, allocate resources, and solve complex issues.
Students of this accredited bachelor’s degree in economics online get calculus and computer programming skills. They must also take 10 “supporting courses” in advanced topics ranging from environmental economics to growth and development.
Tuition & Fees: $13,988/year
#13. Ottawa University-Online
Online BA in Business Economics
Ottawa University is recognized for its strength in e-learning and is a favourite among adult students. The university has a generous credit transfer policy and is proud to offer flexible and practical courses.
This dynamic business economics degree online program highlights the decisions people make in business and their impact on society and global economies.
This online economics degree addresses relevant topics, from entrepreneurship to banking to the economics of decision-making and more.
Students can also focus on Finance, Human Resources, Leadership and management, or Marketing.
Tuition & Fees: $11,976/year
#14. University of North Carolina-Pembroke
Online BS in Business Administration-Economics
UNC—Pembroke is one of the most versatile schools ranking the cheapest online economic programs. This allows students to add multiple tracks to their BS in Business Administration.
Available tracks are Economics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, International Business, Management, or Marketing.
The requirements for the Economics track include “management economics” and “intermediate macroeconomics”, plus two economic electives. However, you can also consider earning a second concentration, which is quite easy to do from your open elective courses.
For example, a person interested in the banking sector may choose the second option in finance, while a future business owner may focus on entrepreneurship.
Tuition & Fees: $11,809/year; $53.21/credit hour (in-state), $188.34/credit hour(out-of-state)
#15. West Texas A & M University
Online BBA in Law and Economics
The Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business at West Texas A&M University (COB) offers a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) degree via the online instruction mode with five different major options.
The online options allow working students and those living far away to earn a bachelor’s degree.
Also, all courses needed to complete the degree can be earned online, or students can combine on-campus and online courses to earn the degree. Current degree program options include finance, general business, management, marketing, or law & economics degrees.
Tuition & Fees: $8,481/year
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FAQ: Cheapest Online Economics Degree In the USA
For students more interested in a career in politics or research, OSU’s accredited online economics program offers a concentration in Law, Economics, and Policy.
Step 1: Bachelor’s Degree. An undergraduate degree in economics requires general education courses along with business, management, and economics classes.
Step 2: Master’s Degree.
Step 3: Doctoral Degree.
Step 4: Employment.
Step 5: Professional Membership.
The type of education one gets can also make a difference in salary. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), economists earned a mean salary of $109,230 in May 2015. In the same year, economists working for the federal government earned $114,600 on average
Economic consultants use analytical and research skills to conduct economic scenario studies.
Compensation and Benefits Manager.
Actuary.
Credit Analyst.
Financial Analyst.
Policy Analyst.
Lawyer.
Conclusion
Many colleges and universities offer economics degrees in their various programs and capacities as institutions of higher learning, but none are as affordable or flexible as the aforementioned institutions.
So, if you are looking to add more feathers to your academic wings, specifically in economics, and you are looking for the most affordable and flexible program to start with, consider our Online Economics Degree programs.
References
- www.bachelorsportal.com – Online Bachelor’s degrees in Economics
- www.onlinestudies.ng – 25 Online Bachelor’s Programs in Economics 2024
Recommendation
