Applied Economics
A program that focuses on the application of economic principles and analytical techniques to the study of particular industries, activities, or the exploitation of particular resources. Includes instruction in economic theory; microeconomic analysis and modeling of specific industries, commodities; the economic consequences of resource allocation decisions; regulatory and consumer factors; and the technical aspects of specific subjects as they relate to economic analysis.
- Schools offering
- 21
- Annual completions
- 209
- Typical degree level
- Bachelor's
- Median earnings (5yr)
- $84k
About this major
A program that focuses on the application of economic principles and analytical techniques to the study of particular industries, activities, or the exploitation of particular resources. Includes instruction in economic theory; microeconomic analysis and modeling of specific industries, commodities; the economic consequences of resource allocation decisions; regulatory and consumer factors; and the technical aspects of specific subjects as they relate to economic analysis.
Examples of specialized tracks: Behavioral and Experimental Economics.
Where this major leads
Occupations most often associated with this major, from the federal BLS+O*NET crosswalk. Job-growth projections and median wages are national.
| Occupation | Median wage | Job growth | Typical education |
|---|---|---|---|
| Managers, all other | $137k | +4.5% | Bachelor's degree |
| Market research analysts and marketing specialists | $77k | +6.7% | Bachelor's degree |
| Social science research assistants | $58k | +4.4% | Bachelor's degree |
| Economists | $115k | +1.2% | Master's degree |
| Economics teachers, postsecondary | $120k | +2.1% | Doctoral or professional degree |
| Survey researchers | $63k | -5.2% | Master's degree |
Earnings at a glance
Median graduate earnings from the federal College Scorecard, 5 and 10 years out.
Median 5-year earnings
$84k
Associate's vs Bachelor's — early-career earnings
Associate's
$59k
Bachelor's
$84k
Top colleges for Applied Economics
Ranked by annual completions at the associate's or bachelor's level — a proxy for program scale.
| College | Location | Assoc. | Bach. | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Binghamton University | Vestal, NY | 0 | 95 | 95 |
| Ursinus College | Collegeville, PA | 0 | 31 | 31 |
| University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | Minneapolis, MN | 0 | 22 | 22 |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Blacksburg, VA | 0 | 18 | 18 |
| Farmingdale State College | Farmingdale, NY | 0 | 12 | 12 |
| University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | 0 | 5 | 5 |
| University of Northern Iowa | Cedar Falls, IA | 0 | 5 | 5 |
| Western Carolina University | Cullowhee, NC | 0 | 4 | 4 |
| University of Connecticut | Storrs, CT | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| Bowling Green State University-Main Campus | Bowling Green, OH | 0 | 3 | 3 |
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Considering this direction?
We've taken a hard look at the debt, earnings trajectory, and degree-level tradeoffs for the Applied Economics field. Read our verdict before you commit.
Is Applied Economics worth it? Read verdict