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UC Berkeley evaluates candidates for admission to its graduate and professional schools holistically, which means that when making admissions decisions, we take into account a candidate’s combination of personal achievements, letters of recommendation, personal statements, academic record, and test scores. When examining students’ transcripts and other admissions materials throughout the pandemic, such a review will take into account the significant disruptions of COVID-19. Therefore, whether the decisions were made by institutions or by specific students, we will not penalize students for the adoption of P/NP grades and reduced research experiences during this unprecedented period. The most crucial thing is that applicants show they pursued a difficult curriculum that was connected to their intention to attend graduate or professional school.
Berkeley graduates have a remarkable track record of success in graduate school admissions to the most competitive programs in the country, as we have continued to observe in admissions cycles. Our graduates are esteemed for their tenacity and academic prowess, and they are evaluated as always on their overall performance. We are certain that graduate admissions panels will generously accommodate applicants’ academic hardships brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many students choose an economics degree because of its versatility. It’s a degree that easily translates into dozens of career paths. Although most top universities offer economics degrees, their offerings are not always the same. With so many options, it can be difficult to know which economics program is best. To help get you started, we’ve put together a list of some of the top economics schools in the world.
By averaging the top 20 schools from the and top economics schools, we were able to arrive at this ranking. By averaging the two lists, which each use different criteria, we were able to obtain a comprehensive picture of the top 10 economics institutions.
The Top 10 Best Schools to Study Economics in 2021/22
| Overall Rank | University | Location | QS World Rank | THE Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | Cambridge, Massachusetts | 1 | 2 |
| 2 | Stanford University | Stanford, California | 3 | 1 |
| 3 | Harvard University | Cambridge, Massachusetts | 2 | 5 |
| 4 | Princeton University | Princeton, New Jersey | 4 | NA |
| 5* | London School of Economics (LSE) | London, United Kingdom | 6 | 7 |
| 5* | University of Chicago | Chicago, Illinois | 7 | 6 |
| 5* | Oxford University | Oxford, United Kingdom | 9 | 4 |
| 5* | Cambridge University | Cambridge, United Kingdom | 10 | 3 |
| 9 | University of California, Berkeley | Berkeley, California | 5 | 9 |
| 10 | Yale University | New Haven, Connecticut | 8 | 8 |
Let’s examine the top 10 economics schools to find out if they’re a good fit for you and your chances of admission.
New Haven, Connecticut
Yale Department of Economics Overview
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Economics Degrees Available | Median Starting Salary Undergraduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| $60,000/year (USD) | ~4.6% | Bachelor’s Degree Master’s Degree Doctorate Degree | $81,400 (USD) |
About the Yale Department of Economics
is a thriving network of academics, researchers, and students working together to forecast the effects of US policies and address some of the most urgent economic issues in the world.
Students can choose between a Bachelor’s degree in Economics or a Bachelor’s degree in Economics after completing this 4-year economics program that covers a wide range of topics. In addition, the university recently designated all degree programs in economics as STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).
Students can further investigate and research economics topics that interest them and ones that will advance their career goals through Yale’s programs. Economics majors research a topic of their choice for their senior thesis during their final year.
Learn more about .
Is it for you?
The Yale Economics community is collaborative and tight-knit. You will collaborate with other students in this program, and you will have numerous opportunities to speak with teachers and professors. Peer mentors and TAs are among the resources the program offers to improve the learning environment. Due to the variety of the coursework, you can study topics that interest you and learn about new fields of study.
Take introductory microeconomics classes to learn more about the program and major if you’re still not sure if you want to major in economics.
Check your grades and test results to see if you qualify for Yale. Try our .
9 University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, California
Berkeley Economics Program Overview
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Economics Degrees Available | Median Starting Salary Undergraduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000/year (USD) | ~11.8% | Undergraduate (BA) Graduate (Masters or PhD) | $63,000 (USD) |
About the Berkeley Economics Program
began in 1903. Prior to 1903, economics instructors belonged to the history or political science departments. Since its inception, they have worked to stay ahead of economic trends and have sought out novel explanations for many of the most pressing economic problems facing the world today.
Berkeley has always been a leader in education, tackling controversial issues head-on like women in the field. This reputation remains true in the economics department as well. The faculty at Berkeley are renowned for their in-depth subject knowledge and originality.
The department is fairly large, with more than 1300 undergraduate students, and provides a wide variety of classes. Many Berkeley Economics Ph.D. students have access to other prestigious American universities through connections with other D. s land jobs at the World Bank, the United Nations, Harvard, Yale, and MIT. S. Federal Reserve.
Learn more about .
Is it for you?
The Berkeley Economics program may appeal to you if you enjoy conducting research with other students and faculty. In addition, you can enroll in the Berkeley Economics Program’s The Economics Department’s largest and most established student organization is this one.
It was founded in 1975 and caters to economics majors and those with an interest in the subject, giving students a place to cultivate their enthusiasm for economics both on and off campus. The organization also provides academic and professional support. Committees, social events, and academic and professional events and workshops are all types of events. This group is a fantastic place to meet people who share your passions and interests.
If you’re interested in UC Berkeley, check out our .
Cambridge, United Kingdom
Cambridge Faculty of Economics Overview
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Economics Degrees Available | Median Starting Salary Undergraduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| £22,000/year (GBP) | ~20% | Bachelor’s Degree Master’s Degree Doctorate Degree | $68,081 (USD) |
About the Cambridge Faculty of Economics
give students a solid understanding of economics through the use of mathematics and statistics. They incorporate historical, political, and social data to aid students in understanding how economics relates to the real world.
While the three-year course emphasizes the fundamentals of economics, it also covers a wide range of other subjects, such as mathematics and statistics, history, sociology, and politics. Graduates of this program land jobs in a variety of highly sought-after fields thanks to their broad knowledge base. A lot of graduates also continue their education by enrolling in a Master’s or Ph D. programs.
Some of the greatest economists of this generation teach students as part of the economics program. All faculty members are committed to improving public policy. Some of the most recent employees are active members of the Competition Commission and the Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of England.
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Is it for you?
If you study economics at Cambridge, you’ll acquire useful skills that you can use in a variety of fields, such as management, government, and finance. These skills are also excellent foundations for Master’s and Ph. D. programs.
Students have access to a variety of statistical databases, software, and a sizable collection of economic books, journals, and papers through the Marshall Library of Economics. You can take part in social gatherings and unofficial lectures as a Cambridge Economics student through the Marshall Society, which is run by students.
Consider attending if you’re curious to learn more about Cambridge’s economics program. You can visit the campus, learn about the economics courses, and get answers to your questions about student life at Cambridge during this event.
A Day in the Life: University of Cambridge Economics Student
The economics programs at Cambridge University are among the best in the world. See if you have what it takes to get in.
Oxford, United Kingdom
Oxford Department of Economics Overview
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Economics Degrees Available | Median Starting Salary Undergraduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| £32,000/year (GBP) | ~17.5% | Bachelor’s Degree Master’s Degree Doctorate Degree | $70,000 (USD) |
About the Oxford Department of Economics
Even though Oxford’s long history includes a significant amount of economics, the department is still relatively new. It was founded in 1999 and is now home to one of Europe’s largest and most varied communities of academic economists. is world-renowned for its teaching and research. It is renowned for having highly esteemed international lecturers, researchers, and faculty.
Surprisingly, the department does not offer a solo Economics degree. In this three-year program, students study economics in addition to one or two other subjects. Options include:
- BA History & Economics
- BA Economics & Management
- BA Philosophy, Politics & Economics
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Is it for you?
You must select a joint degree in economics and one or two other subjects because the Oxford Department of Economics does not offer a straight Economics degree. One of the most popular choices is the . You will also enroll in courses through the schools of philosophy, history, international relations, and business as part of this program. Offering joint degrees allows students to receive a more comprehensive education that is easily transferable to a prosperous career. Since there are 1000 undergraduates in the department, it is regarded as a larger program.
Instead of focusing on just one area of research as an Economics student, you’ll conduct broad research in a variety of areas. You will be a part of a lively and encouraging research group directed by a senior departmental employee. You’ll have the chance to take part in group activities, workshops, and seminars through this group.
Do you have what it takes to get into Oxford?
University of Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
University of Chicago Department of Economics Overview
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Economics Degrees Available | Median Starting Salary Undergraduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| $60,000/year (USD) | ~7% | Bachelor’s Degree Master’s Degree Doctorate Degree | $83,000 (USD) |
About the University of Chicago Department of Economics
With a long list of accolades and recognitions, the economics department at this university consistently ranks among the best in the world. Students have the option of majoring in traditional economics or in one of their more recent tracks with concentrations in business economics or data science. Students receive the fundamental training they need in the undergraduate program to comprehend how the modern economy functions.
Students who major in economics at the University of Chicago have many career and graduate degree options, including those in law, business, and medicine. Students can pursue a career in economic research with a Ph.D. after receiving their undergraduate degree, as well as graduate-level work in applied economics and economic policy. D.
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Is it for you?
You will conduct research and study as an undergraduate at the University of Chicago’s Department of Economics using actual cases and figures. Professors understand each student’s goals are different. Others have plans in the public or private sectors, while some are academically oriented.
You will also take classes at the UChicago School of Business and other university-wide courses if you choose a specialization, particularly in business economics. Flexibility and options are what make UChicago’s economics programs unique. You may experiment with different options until you find one that suits your interests and professional objectives.
Additional research opportunities in applied microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and economic theory are provided by the economics program. Faculty and students participate in these workshops.
UChicago’s Department of Economics is a leader in research. Check your grades and test results to see if you qualify for admission to this esteemed institution. Try our .
London School of Economics
London, United Kingdom
London School of Economics, Department of Economics Overview
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Economics Degrees Available | Median Starting Salary Undergraduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| £22,000/year (GBP) | 9% | Bachelor’s Degree Master’s Degree Doctorate Degree | $70,000 (USD) |
About the London School of Economics, Department of Economics
As one of the biggest economics programs in the world, the has a renowned research division that includes all the major economics fields. The LSE Department of Economics has led nearly every significant development in economics over the past 50 years due to its size, influential faculty, and dedication to staying on the cutting edge of economic developments. LSE’s research centers are the nucleus of the school’s research.
Nine Nobel Prize winners hail from the LSE Department of Economics, which has produced some of the world’s most successful business leaders and researchers. Graduates are successful in securing employment with businesses, financial institutions, and governmental agencies both domestically and abroad.
Learn more about
Is it for you?
Consider applying to the Department of Economics at LSE if you want to use economics and economic research to change the world. With frequently changing policy and formulation, this department has addressed significant global challenges like climate change and economic development and growth. Because of the department’s high profile and ground-breaking work, students and faculty are frequently featured in national and international media. You can learn from prominent economists from around the world by attending the department’s public lecture series, which also features high-profile speakers.
A Day in the Life: London School of Economics Student
LSE is a highly competitive university. See if you have what it takes to gain acceptance.
Princeton, New Jersey
Princeton Economics Program Overview
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Economics Degrees Available | Median Starting Salary Undergraduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| $55,000/year (USD) | 5.8% | Bachelor’s Degree Doctorate Degree | $80,000 (USD) |
About the Princeton Economics Program
Not only is one of the best in the world, but it’s also one of the university’s most popular majors. More than 90% of economics graduates accept job offers in consulting, public policy, or finance Others continue their education by enrolling in one of Princeton’s highly competitive graduate programs in business, law, medicine, public policy, or economics.
All Princeton students pursue their education “in the service of the nation and the service of humanity,” especially those in the economics department. The goal of economics students is to change the world.
The popularity of this program is due to the versatility and analytical and technical training that an economics degree provides to students. They gain knowledge of how to conduct research, ask questions, and come up with original and useful answers.
Learn more about
Is it for you?
The Economics Department at Princeton puts its students first, motivating, guiding, and preparing them to become future academic, business, and governmental leaders. You’ll collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the world, including Nobel laureates, as an Economics major. Their work in macroeconomics and econometrics has gained worldwide recognition.
You will succeed in Princeton’s economics program if you are eager to change the world and improve processes. You are urged to use your imagination and create novel tools and techniques to advance research, policy, and economics. Additionally, you are encouraged to pursue graduate studies as well as faculty positions at this institution as well as at other top research universities.
Check your qualifications to enter Princeton. Try our .
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Harvard Economics Program Overview
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Economics Degrees Available | Median Starting Salary Undergraduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000/year (USD) | 5.8% | Bachelor’s Degree Doctorate Degree | $78,800 (USD) |
About the Harvard Economics Program
offers students the chance to contribute to the solution of some of the most difficult problems in the world through academics, study, discussion, and research, in addition to academic excellence. Students collaborate with their peers and Harvard economics faculty on issues such as global poverty, health insurance, stock market volatility, game theory, and climate change. Faculty and professors challenge students to think critically and creatively outside the box to find workable solutions to the world’s problems.
To build a solid foundation in basic economic principles, all economics majors begin with introductory and intermediate economic theory courses. In order to learn how to conduct their own economics research, students also take courses in economic theory, mathematics, and statistics.
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Is it for you?
Harvard University’s Economics Department, one of the top in the world, has pioneered cutting-edge analysis and theories. You’ll have the exceptional chance to collaborate with numerous professors who have a wide range of interests, allowing you to study in almost any area of economics. Students and faculty collaborate closely in fields like political science, psychology, law, and business that are complementary to each other. You are encouraged to pursue novel concepts and theories and use them to address current problems because professors have a variety of research backgrounds.
To find out if you have what it takes to get into Harvard, try out if you’re interested in the Economics Department at Harvard.
Stanford, California
Stanford Economics Program Overview
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Economics Degrees Available | Median Starting Salary Undergraduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| $37,000/year (USD) | 3.8% | Bachelor’s Degree in Economics Master’s Degree in Economics Doctorate Degree in Economic | $80,900 (USD) |
About the Stanford Economics Program
After World War II, Stanford’s renowned and esteemed economics department achieved international renown. It kept gaining popularity until 1960, when it earned the title “center for economic theory.” The current goals are to “train students at the undergraduate and graduate level in the methods and concepts of modern economics and to conduct both basic and applied economics research that advances the frontier of knowledge in the field.” ”.
Stanford divides courses into focus areas because economics is a broad major: Behavioral Students can concentrate on one area of economics or take a variety of economics courses, depending on their interests.
Traditional economics theory and cutting-edge research are both included in Stanford’s economics program. The highly quantitative nature of the Stanford economics program provides economics majors with a solid foundation that equips them for a variety of career paths, including those in government, public policy, business, and finance. Many undergraduates continue their studies through Stanford’s Ph. D. in Economics or Finance programs.
Learn more about
Is it for you?
You will be surrounded by like-minded students in a vibrant intellectual community at Stanford as an economics major. The department provides numerous opportunities for interaction and discussion with other students and faculty members, including weekly seminars and workshops for student research.
You can enroll in classes at complementary departments like the Department of Statistics, the Graduate School of Business, and the Department of Sociology to broaden your learning opportunities.
The Economics Department at Stanford University is highly interdisciplinary and frequently collaborates with other departments if you’re interested in working with students and faculty in the business and medical schools. You have access to the Economics Department’s resources as well. In order to support their research, visiting scholars frequently work with Stanford students and faculty at SIEPR.
Use our to find out if you qualify for Stanford’s Economics Program if you’re interested in applying.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Cambridge, Massachusetts
MIT Undergraduate Economics Program Overview
| Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Economics Degrees Available | Median Starting Salary Undergraduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| $75,000/year (USD) | 4% | Bachelor’s Degree in Economics Master’s Degree in Economics Doctorate Degree in Economic | $85,000 (USD) |
About the MIT Economics Program
As one of the most prestigious universities in the world, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Their ranks #1 in our Top 10 Economics Schools in the World list. The MIT Department of Economics has been at the forefront of economics research, public service, and education for more than a century. Francis Amasa Walker, MIT’s third president, was the one to first institute undergraduate economics courses. He was not only a renowned economist but also the American Economic Association’s founder and leader. The MIT Economics Department served as the foundation of the newly created School of Humanities and Social Sciences in 1950.
The undergraduate economics program at MIT offers a fundamental introduction to contemporary economic theory as well as the US and global economies. Students are encouraged to think independently about economic policies and problems through quantitative research and study. The world-class economics program at MIT prepares undergraduates for postgraduate study in economics, law, or business as well as for employment in almost any sector or government career.
The Economics Department at MIT is home to faculty members who have won Nobel Prizes and are Fellows of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the National Academy of Sciences, and the Econometric Society. Faculty are equally committed to graduate and undergraduate education. Senior professors even teach introductory undergraduate courses.
Additionally, many academics have authored textbooks that are used in colleges and universities around the world.
Learn more about
Is it for you?
The MIT undergraduate economics curriculum heavily emphasizes innovation. You will learn in “real-time” through recently developed courses because research is ongoing. The economics department at MIT may be the place for you if you enjoy difficult independent research projects. These kinds of projects will help you develop your writing and presentation skills in addition to deepening and broadening your understanding of economics.
The Undergraduate Economics Association (UEA) also extends an invitation to students in the Economics Department to take part in its informal forum. Through this group, you can interact with academics and learn about current economic policy issues.
If you%E2%80%99re interested in graduate students, nearly 20% of MIT economics undergraduates choose graduate programs in economics or finance Before pursuing a postgraduate degree, about half of the graduates first gain experience in various business fields. Law is another popular career path for MIT graduates.
See if you can get into MIT? Try our .
Even though all of the schools on our list of the Top 10 Best Schools to Study Economics are excellent choices, it’s crucial to carefully assess each program to see if it aligns with your academic and professional objectives. While some offer small class sizes, others offer a wide selection of courses and research opportunities. Not only should you research each program, but also the university as a whole. Verify that you enjoy the school’s setting, size, surroundings, and extracurricular offerings.
Did you know that Crimson, the world’s top organization for assisting students with university admissions, can help you get into top economics schools? We assist you in finding the university that best suits your needs, developing a personalized roadmap, acing your standardized tests, writing the best essay possible, and enhancing your candidacy through extracurricular activities. Visit our to learn more Q
Key Resources & Further Reading
How much do you expect to make after you graduate (Berkeley)? #shorts
FAQ
What is the easiest major to get into UC Berkeley?
10 Easiest Majors to Transfer into UC BerkeleyMAJORADMIT RATE1. Development Studies41%2. Environmental Economics Policy49%3. Society and Environment54%4. Landscape Architecture39%.
Is UC Berkeley econ good?
As one of the top universities for economics, UC Berkeley
How do you get into economics at UC Berkeley?
Students accepted as freshmen must finish all prerequisite courses and apply to the major no later than their fifth semester at Berkeley in order to declare the Economics major. A minimum prerequisite GPA of 3. 0 is also required. The impact on the economics major makes it impossible to guarantee enrollment in particular courses.
What GPA do you need for economics?
A 2. 0 cumulative average is required for the economics major. Does my economic GPA average Statistics and Calculus? The grades in the 5 core classes and the 7 electives used for the major—Economics—are used to calculate the major’s GPA.