How To Get a Free Economics Degree 2027

You can build a career in economics without paying full price for your degree, but getting there takes some planning. A truly free bachelor's is uncommon, yet grants, scholarships, employer benefits, and transfer credits can combine to cover much of the bill and, in some cases, all of your tuition.

This guide explains what "free" actually means in this context, which strategies cut costs the most, and ten affordable online programs worth a closer look. You'll also find typical costs, timelines, and career data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, so keep reading to build a plan that fits your budget.

Disclaimer: The schools advertised on Learn.org do not guarantee free tuition. Tuition-free programs do not always mean zero cost to attend. In some cases, eligibility for low-cost college education is limited by state residency, income thresholds, employer partnerships, or other requirements. Always verify with the individual school or program to understand what is covered and what out-of-pocket expenses you may still be responsible for.

Are There Free Online Economics Degrees?

No, there are no completely free economics degrees. Even schools that waive tuition for certain students still bill for fees, textbooks, technology, and other expenses, and the few tuition-free colleges that exist are small, selective, and mostly on-campus.

You can, however, make an online economics degree very affordable and sometimes free of tuition charges. Stacking Pell Grants, scholarships, employer tuition assistance, and transfer credits gives you a realistic path to covering most or all of your tuition, depending on your income, location, and work situation.

What "Free" Really Means for an Online Economics Degree

When a program is described as free, it usually means tuition is covered by gift aid, such as grants, scholarships, or an employer benefit. Your total cost is rarely zero, since technology fees, course materials, exam proctoring, and living expenses often remain your responsibility.

It also helps to separate gift aid from borrowed money. Grants and scholarships don't need to be repaid, while student loans do, so a degree funded mostly through loans isn't free no matter how a school markets it. Comparing each school's net price, which reflects the aid you would actually receive, gives you a far more accurate picture than the advertised tuition rate.

Ways to Make an Online Economics Degree Low-Cost

Most students who keep costs low rely on several strategies at once rather than a single source of funding. The options below are the most common ways to reduce what you pay for an online economics degree.

Complete the FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the starting point for nearly every type of need-based aid. Filing it can unlock federal Pell Grants, which don't require repayment, along with work-study opportunities and many state and school-based awards.

Submit the form as early as you can each year, since some state and institutional funds run out. Online students at eligible accredited schools qualify for the same federal aid as on-campus students.

Apply for State Grants and Regional Tuition Discounts

Many states offer grant programs for residents attending public colleges, and some include reduced-cost or tuition-free pathways for students who meet income or academic criteria. Your state's higher education agency can tell you which awards apply to online programs.

Regional exchange programs can also help if you live outside the state where your school is located. The Western Undergraduate Exchange, for example, lets students from participating western states pay a discounted rate at out-of-state public universities.

Pursue Scholarships

Scholarships come from colleges, businesses, professional associations, and nonprofits, and they can be based on merit, financial need, intended major, or background. Economics-specific awards exist, but general scholarships for online students are often easier to win.

Many schools also offer automatic awards for students who declare a fully online major. Applying to several scholarships each term, even small ones, can add up to a meaningful reduction.

Use Employer Tuition Assistance

If you work, your employer may cover part or all of your tuition, especially when your degree supports a move into a more analytical role. Under federal tax rules, employers can generally provide up to $5,250 per year in educational assistance without it counting as taxable income to you.

Ask your human resources department about eligible programs, reimbursement timing, and any requirement to stay with the company after you graduate. Some employers pay tuition upfront, while others reimburse you after you complete each course.

Transfer Credits You Already Have

Credits from an associate degree, previous college coursework, or exams such as CLEP can count toward your bachelor's degree. Every course you transfer in is a course you don't pay for again, which can cut both your costs and your time to graduation.

Ask each school for an unofficial transfer evaluation before you apply, and confirm how many credits it accepts. Policies vary widely, and the difference between schools can amount to a full year of tuition.

Use Military and Veteran Benefits

Veterans, service members, and eligible family members may be able to use the GI Bill or military tuition assistance to cover tuition and fees. These benefits can pair with other forms of aid, so you may be able to stack them with grants or scholarships.

Many universities have dedicated military and veteran services offices that can walk you through the benefits process. Contact the office at your chosen school to confirm that your online program is approved for the benefits you plan to use.

Choose a Public Program With Low Out-of-State Rates

Public universities generally cost less than private ones, and a few extend the same online rate to students in every state. Others join tuition-reduction programs that cut nonresident costs substantially.

Comparing programs on total cost rather than location alone can reveal strong options outside your home state. Be sure to review fees along with tuition, since they can vary a great deal from one school to the next.

Low-Cost Online Colleges With Economics Degrees

The schools below offer online economics programs at accessible prices, with options ranging from standalone economics majors to business degrees with an economics focus. Check each school's website for current costs, admission requirements, and aid opportunities.

1. Eastern Oregon University

If you like the idea of steering your own research, Eastern Oregon University's online economics major deserves a close look. You can choose a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science, and both rely on a core of lower- and upper-division courses that includes statistics and calculus before you move into topics such as inflation, unemployment, and international trade. A senior capstone or practicum gives you a chance to apply what you've learned to a question you care about.

The program is fully online with no on-campus requirements, and the university is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), so your degree carries regional recognition. EOU also takes a generous approach to transfer coursework, which can shorten your path considerably if you've already earned college credit. Graduates move toward management, data and policy analysis, government, and nonprofit roles, and the degree works well as a foundation for law school or graduate study in economics.

2. Oregon State University

Oregon State delivers its online economics degree through Ecampus, and you can shape your studies around general economics, managerial economics, or law, economics, and policy. Either a BA or a BS is available, and the managerial option lets you count business courses toward your major. If graduate school is on your radar, you can also look into the online honors degree or an accelerated pathway toward a Master of Public Policy.

Students who live outside Oregon benefit from the fact that Ecampus doesn't charge a nonresident premium, which can make the program a strong value from almost anywhere. The degree totals 180 quarter credits, equal to 120 semester credits, and you can complete all or nearly all of it online. Success coaching, library services, and free online tutoring come along with enrollment.

3. Arizona State University

Arizona State gives you two online BS routes in economics, so you can match the degree to your goals. The business version, offered through the W. P. Carey School of Business, pairs economics with a business core, while the liberal arts version leaves more room for electives in other fields. Both share the same economics curriculum, including intermediate micro- and macroeconomic theory, data analytics, and a capstone.

Classes run 7.5 weeks, and multiple start dates each year mean you won't wait long to begin. ASU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and offers financial aid and scholarships to online students, and its diplomas don't indicate whether a degree was earned online or in person.

4. University of North Carolina at Charlotte

UNC Charlotte's online BS in Economics is built for flexibility, with 100% asynchronous courses and enrollment open to both first-year and transfer students. You choose between a Business Administration concentration and a Liberal Arts concentration, then customize 15 credit hours outside of business to match your interests.

The degree comes through the Belk College of Business, which holds accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), and the university itself is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Coursework emphasizes data interpretation, quantitative analysis, and applying economic theory to public policy, so it suits you whether you're aiming for business, government, or nonprofit work. Competitive in-state tuition makes the program an especially good value for North Carolina residents.

5. University of North Carolina at Pembroke

At UNC Pembroke, economics comes as a concentration within the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and you can complete the full degree online. The economics track builds on managerial economics with additional upper-level coursework, and you'll pair it with a business core covering statistics, finance, analytics, and strategy.

The Thomas College of Business and Economics holds AACSB accreditation, and the university takes part in the NC Promise program, which sharply reduces per-semester tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students. Because this is a business degree with an economics focus rather than a standalone economics major, check how its coursework lines up with any graduate programs you have in mind.

6. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

Designed as a degree completion program, UMass Dartmouth's online BA in Economics fits best if you already have some college credit and a GPA of at least 2.0. You'll finish 120 credits in total, with electives that range from environmental and health economics to labor economics and state and local public economics.

Online courses are taught by the same UMass Dartmouth faculty who teach on campus, and most run asynchronously, which helps if you're balancing work and family. Health care professionals with an associate degree can add a healthcare services administration concentration, and all online students have access to free tutoring and writing support. The university is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

7. Metropolitan State University of Denver

MSU Denver's online economics major comes in two versions. The BA leans toward policy and academic research, while the BS focuses on business applications and generally requires more advanced math, so the right pick depends on whether you're heading toward graduate study or straight into the workforce.

Admission is open to students with a 2.0 high school GPA, adults age 20 or older with a diploma or GED, and those with 24 or more transferable college credits, and most applicants are admitted. Declaring a fully online major can earn you a scholarship of up to $1,000 per semester without a separate application, and the Western Undergraduate Exchange and Roadrunner Interstate Tuition programs lower nonresident costs for eligible students. As an HLC-accredited school, MSU Denver also gives online students success coaching and 24/7 tutoring.

8. University of New Mexico

The University of New Mexico built its online BA in Economics as a degree completion path, so it works best once you've finished an associate degree or have roughly 60 to 70 transferable credit hours. The program isn't open to freshmen, and no admission requirements apply beyond general university admission.

The major requires 33 credit hours of economics coursework, split between a 15-credit core and 18 credits of electives such as consumer economics and health economics. Every course in the major is available online, and the degree serves as preparation for graduate study in economics, business, planning, or law. UNM is accredited by HLC.

9. University of Massachusetts Lowell

UMass Lowell's online BA in Economics is fully online and aimed at students who want to finish efficiently while managing work or personal commitments. The curriculum breaks into six required economics courses, six economics electives, and a university core, which leaves you real choice in how deeply you pursue specific topics.

Electives let you explore managerial economics, investments, financial markets, public finance, and international macroeconomics, giving you a head start whether your goals lean toward business or government. The program is offered through the university's online division, and UMass Lowell holds NECHE accreditation.

10. Eastern New Mexico University

Eastern New Mexico University takes a business-oriented approach with a Bachelor of Business Administration that has an emphasis in applied economics and finance, and you can complete it 100% online. You'll start with introductory and intermediate finance, macroeconomics, and microeconomics courses, then move into subjects such as econometrics, financial markets, and economic policy.

ENMU has earned national recognition from OnlineU as one of the most affordable schools for online bachelor's degrees, and it carries HLC accreditation. Since this is a business degree with an economics emphasis, it suits corporate and finance careers especially well, though you should confirm how it fits with graduate program requirements if you plan to continue your education.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university. Because economics programs vary widely in structure, curriculum details also shape the order of this list.

Standalone economics majors that include intermediate theory, statistics, and quantitative coursework generally rank higher than business degrees with only a handful of economics electives. The following criteria guide each placement:

• Accreditation: Only regionally accredited institutions are considered, and programs housed in business schools with AACSB accreditation stand out as an added quality signal.
• Affordability and financial aid: Per-credit costs, net price, transfer-friendly policies, and scholarships or discounts for online students all factor into a school's standing.
• Online availability: Schools must deliver the major coursework fully online, ideally with flexible scheduling that works for adult learners.
• Student outcomes: College Scorecard data on graduation rates and post-enrollment earnings helps indicate how students fare after they enroll.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

How Much Does an Online Economics Degree Cost?

Many public universities charge roughly $200 to $700 per credit hour for online undergraduate courses, which works out to about $24,000 to $84,000 in tuition for a 120-credit bachelor's degree. Private schools and some out-of-state rates run higher, so the sticker price can vary by tens of thousands of dollars from one program to another.

Your actual cost depends on how many credits you transfer in, what fees the school adds, and how much gift aid you receive. Students with an associate degree, strong scholarships, and employer assistance can pay a small fraction of the full price, while those starting from scratch with no aid will pay closer to the top of the range.

How Long Does It Take To Earn an Economics Degree Online?

A bachelor's degree in economics typically requires 120 credits, which takes about four years of full-time study. Schools that use shorter terms, such as seven-and-a-half-week classes, can make it easier to take more courses per year and keep a steady pace.

If you already hold an associate degree or have 60 or more transferable credits, you may finish in about two years. Degree completion programs are built for this situation, and part-time students should expect the timeline to stretch accordingly.

How To Choose the Right Low-Cost Economics Degree

Several factors separate a good fit from a program that merely looks inexpensive. Weigh the criteria below against your goals before you apply.

• Accreditation: Regional accreditation protects your financial aid eligibility and the transferability of your credits, and AACSB accreditation adds confidence if the program sits inside a business school.
• Degree type and focus: A BA tends to emphasize policy and broad social science, while a BS leans toward business applications and quantitative skills, and a business degree with an economics concentration offers less depth in economic theory.
• Math and statistics requirements: Calculus, statistics, and econometrics matter if you plan to pursue a master's degree, so look for programs that build those skills.
• Transfer policies: Schools that accept more of your existing credits reduce both cost and time, so request a credit evaluation before you commit.
• Total cost and aid: Compare net price rather than tuition alone, and look for online-specific scholarships, nonresident discounts, and employer or military benefit compatibility.
• Format and support: Asynchronous courses, flexible start dates, and services such as tutoring, advising, and career coaching can make a real difference if you're working while you study.

Career Outlook With an Online Economics Degree

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), economists earn a median annual wage of $124,720, and employment is projected to grow 5% through 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. The BLS expects about 1,100 openings each year, many of which come from workers who retire or move into other fields.

Economists typically need a master's degree, although some government positions accept a bachelor's degree with enough coursework in economics, statistics, or mathematics. The federal government is the largest employer of economists, followed by consulting firms and state governments. A bachelor's in economics also prepares you for related analytical careers, such as financial analysts, who typically enter with a bachelor's degree and earn a median annual wage of $103,570.

FAQs About Free Online Economics Degree Programs

The answers below cover common concerns about free learning options and what they can do for your career. Use them to set realistic expectations as you compare programs.

Are There Free Online Economics Courses?

Yes, several platforms offer free economics learning. Khan Academy provides introductory micro- and macroeconomics lessons at no cost, and sites such as Coursera and edX often let you audit university-created courses without paying, though graded work and certificates may require a fee. OpenStax also publishes free economics textbooks that can help you build a foundation before you enroll in a degree program. These resources don't award college credit, but they can help you decide whether economics is the right field for you.

Are There Free Online Economics Certificates?

Some free courses include a certificate of completion, but many platforms charge extra for a verified certificate. Free certificates can demonstrate initiative and add to your resume, though employers don't treat them as substitutes for a degree. If you want a credential that carries academic weight, a low-cost certificate from an accredited college is a stronger option, since the credits may apply toward a degree later.

Is a Free Online Economics Degree Respected by Employers?

Employers focus on whether your school is accredited and whether you can apply the skills you've learned, not on how you paid for your degree. A degree earned online from an accredited university carries the same value as one earned on campus, and some schools don't note the online format on the diploma at all. Verify accreditation through the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation before you enroll.

Do I Need a Master's Degree To Work as an Economist?

Most economist positions require a master's degree, and roles in research or international organizations may call for a PhD. Some government jobs, including federal positions, accept candidates who have a bachelor's degree with sufficient economics, statistics, or math coursework. Many bachelor's graduates start in analyst roles in finance, business, or policy and move into economist positions after earning a graduate degree.

What Is the Difference Between a BA and a BS in Economics?

A BA in economics usually takes a broader, policy-oriented approach and leaves more room for electives in the humanities and social sciences. A BS tends to emphasize quantitative and business applications, with additional math and statistics requirements. If you're considering graduate study in economics, the extra math in a BS, or additional math electives in a BA, can strengthen your application.

Find Affordable Online Economics Degrees

Learn.org makes it easier to compare online economics programs and find options that fit your budget and goals. Browse programs through Learn.org and connect directly with schools to get personalized information about tuition, transfer credits, and financial aid.