Economics

Note: this example does not account for any scholarships that may be awarded at the time of admission. GSAS offers generous merit- and need-based tuition scholarships for qualified applicants. A list of funding opportunities is provided below. 

*Estimated based on 2025-2026 tuition rates. Rates are subject to change each academic year. For further information about the full cost of attendance, including health insurance, fees, and estimated indirect costs (housing, transportation, etc.), visit Student Financial Services.

At Tufts University, we believe that every qualified applicant should have the opportunity to pursue graduate study, regardless of financial circumstances. We are committed to helping you navigate the financial aspects of your education and strive to make graduate school accessible through a variety of support options.

Scholarships and Awards Available for this Program

• Merit- and need-based tuition scholarships for master’s programs: To be considered, be sure to indicate your interest within the Financial Aid section of your application.
• The Future Leaders Fellowship is a full-tuition scholarship for outstanding full-time master’s students and entry-level OTD students. Future Leaders Fellows are selected by the GSAS Dean following their admittance to Tufts.
• Fifth Year Master's Degree Program — current Tufts Undergraduates can enroll in this program which has reduced tuition costs and provides a Financial Aid Match with a graduate tuition scholarship proportional to the undergraduate tuition award at the time of application.
• City Year Corps members, alumni, and staff are eligible to receive a minimum scholarship award of 25% off tuition.

Work Opportunities and Awards

• There are various graduate assistantships and work opportunities available for Master’s students across Tufts. In addition, the Economics department offers graduate assistantships, which typically involve assisting faculty with teaching, grading, etc. Department faculty sometimes offer graduate students research positions as well.
• The Graduate Student Open Access Publishing Fund provides financial support to students who want to publish their work open access.
• The Graduate Student Research Competition provides funding for expenses including equipment, materials, and supplies; research participant compensation; and expenses of travel to conduct research.
• The Graduate Student Conference Reimbursement Fund is available for students to travel to present or attend at a conference or professional meeting. 

Visit our Graduate Financial Aid page for information on loans and financing options.

The department offers three degree program tracks:

MS in Economics: Course-Based track

• An 8-course program that can be completed in one year, without a thesis.

MS in Economics: Research-Based track with Master's Thesis*

• A 13-course program to be completed in two years, with a master's thesis.

MS in Economics: Research-Based track with Experiential Learning*

• A 13-course program to be completed in two years, with the option for a research assistantship or internship. 

*All students are initially accepted into the course-based track and may apply to either of the the research-based tracks at the end of the second semester. All tracks carry STEM certification.