Want an Economics Degree? Do This

By Jenna Christine / Contributor

Are you set on earning a college degree in economics? If so, you already have an advantage in the educational arena. That’s because very few prospective students know what they want to major in. Second, you have the luxury to do some early studying and master the basics of the subject even before that first day of college. Of course, financing a degree is the key ingredient for success. However, there are multiple ways to tackle the money situation. One is to attend a community college for two years before heading to a four-year school to complete studies for a diploma in economics. To get a head start on the academic front, consider taking a comprehensive math review course online or from a tutor. Then, complete an online, self-paced Econ 101 class to acquire the foundational principles of the subject.

Finance Your Education the Smart Way

The most efficient way for the vast majority of prospective students to finance their education is to take out a student loan. Loans have the advantage of being easy to apply for and covering as much or as little of the total cost as you wish. Most people combine some personal savings with loans to round out their financial arrangements. Try to estimate the total amount you’ll need to borrow, and then fill out an online application. It’s not necessary to know all the particulars about which college you’ll be attending, what you plan to major in, etc. Simply come up with an estimate of total education expenses and fill out a loan application.

Consider Community Colleges

The student loan debt system can be detrimental but community colleges are an excellent way to keep costs to a bare minimum. Not only do they offer a wide choice of basic courses, but they also come with much lower tuition and related expenses compared to four-year programs and state universities. The standard way to leverage the low-cost offerings at community-based programs is to attend for two years and then switch to a four-year college or university after that.

Get Extra Math Help if Necessary

Economics is a relatively math-focused subject, at least in the early stages of coursework. If you need extra help mastering high school mathematics, hire a tutor or sign up for a free online remedial math course. There are some excellent ones available. Or, find a friend or relative who is willing to review a college-prep math book with you for a few weeks.

Take a Principles 101 Course Online

The internet can come to your rescue before college, particularly if you want to obtain an economics degree. Check out the hundreds of no-cost courses that cover standard Econ 101 subject matter. Some are better than others, so choose carefully. Try to find an online tutorial that requires about 10 hours of lectures and has short tests at the end of each unit. Take detailed notes on the classes, participate in group discussions, and ask questions whenever you get a chance. All 101-level econ classes are pretty much the same, so if you complete a high-quality offering, the first semester of college will be that much easier.