Forbes has recognized Johns Hopkins University’s Applied Economics graduate degree as their Best Online Master’s in Economics.
Forbes’ list, released in September 2025, placed the JHU MS in Applied Economics program as first among the 50 accredited, nonprofit U.S. colleges that it reviewed for statistical analysis, econometrics, and micro and macroeconomics.
Key factors cited for this selection were the program’s high graduation rate, high median annual earnings among alumni 10 years after graduation, and the lowest student-to-faculty ratio among its top 10-ranked schools.
“We are thrilled to receive this Forbes recognition and the validation that our STEM-certified program not only provides in-demand knowledge and skills to all of our students but does so in a flexible format,” Program Director Prakash Loungani said. “Our program, grounded in academic rigor with a practical focus, provides a comprehensive blend of business and social science disciplines. Students come away with a deep understanding of market analysis and data-driven problem-solving. They are equipped to tackle challenges in government, business, consulting, technology, finance, or healthcare roles.
“Our faculty are acclaimed scholar-practitioners, former and current analysts, program evaluators, research economists, legislative and policy advisors, and leaders from government agencies and financial institutions,” he continued. “Their expertise is invaluable in guiding our students through elective areas in applied macroeconomics, applied microeconomics, financial economics, or quantitative methods.”
About The Ranking
Forbes’ methodology weighted the evaluation of these nonprofit colleges using 15 data points in categories of student experience (40%), credibility (20%), affordability (20%), student outcomes (15%), and application process (5%). Data was released in September 2025 from reliable sources including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites.