Economics at NIU
Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts

Explore principles that shape the global economy and our daily lives.

From rising costs at the grocery store to the differences in wealth between countries, the exploration of economics reveals important insights into our world. As an economics major, you’ll learn how forces such as supply and demand shape — and are shaped by — our society. You’ll gain the ability to inform and guide life-altering decisions involving limited resources in areas like business and government.

I chose economics because I was fascinated by supply and demand and how our economy prices everything. I’ve felt welcomed and embraced by the faculty here at NIU, and I feel like it’s an experience you wouldn’t be able to have at a lot of larger universities.

ApplyFind Economics Scholarships

What Can I Do With an Economics Degree From NIU?

The skills you gain in data analysis, communication and decision-making will prepare you to thrive in a variety of fields, including business, insurance, government and financial services. Your degree is also excellent preparation for law school or graduate study in public policy or business administration.

Career Potential for NIU Economics Majors

Average mid-career salary:

$101,802

Desired skills:

  • Leadership
  • Strategic Planning
  • Business Development
  • Project Management
  • Negotiation

Top industries:

  • Finance
  • Information Technology
  • Insurance
  • Manufacturing
  • Transportation and Logistics

Source: SteppingBlocks, 2023

What to Expect as an Economics Major at NIU

You can get a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. The B.S. focuses more on quantitative methods and is better preparation for graduate study in economics. Both degrees will give you a strong grasp of economic principles, and you’ll have access to internships and other involvement opportunities.

Explore our economics course offerings

19-cob-finance_students-0508-wd-089.jpg

How We’ll Help You Succeed

Apply for free and we’ll automatically consider you for a renewable merit scholarship.

Earn your bachelor’s degree fast with our affordable tuition and fees. Any credit hours you take over 12 are free (per semester).

Prepare to thrive after graduation with personalized support from Career Services.

With our truth-in-tuition policy, you’ll get the same fixed tuition rate for four continuous years, whether you live in Illinois or another state.

Apply to NIU

First-year Students
(Freshman)

High School GPA

3.0 or higher?

You're guaranteed general NIU admission.

ACT/SAT SCORES

Not considered.

We think your high school GPA is a better predictor of your success.

First-Year Application

Add us to your common app list

First-Year Application

Add us to your common app list

Transfer Students

ALL COLLEGES GPA

2.0 or higher?

You're guaranteed general NIU admission.

ALL COLLEGES GPA

3.0 or higher?

You're guaranteed a
renewable merit scholarship
.

See how your credits transfer

Apply to NIU as a Transfer Student

See how your credits transfer

Apply to NIU as a Transfer Student

Back to top