15 Economic Research Internships for Undergraduates
If you’re an undergraduate interested in economics, doing a research internship can give you practical experience in the field. These internships let you work with economic data, analyze trends, evaluate policies, and assist researchers on projects. They help you develop important skills in econometrics, data analysis, critical thinking, and policy evaluation, all of which strengthen your resume and prepare you for future career opportunities.
Why should I participate in an economics research internship in college?
These roles allow you to test out specific career paths, whether in finance, public policy, or data science. You’ll also build a network of mentors who can connect you with more opportunities later on. Ultimately, you will develop an analytical mindset and the professional confidence that comes from applying your skills. These internships can significantly boost your odds of landing a great job after graduation.
To help you get started, we’ve curated a list of 15 economics research internships for undergraduates.
1. Council of Economic Advisors Internships
Location: Washington, D.C.
Stipend: None
Dates: Spring January to May. Summer June to August. Fall August to December
Application Deadline: Spring November 1. Summer March 1. Fall July 1
Eligibility: U.S. citizens age 18 or older enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program
The Council of Economic Advisors (CEA), part of the Executive Office of the President, plays a key role in shaping U.S. and international economic policy through evidence-based research. As a CEA intern, you will contribute to ongoing research in areas such as macroeconomics, microeconomics, and global economic issues. Your work may involve collecting and analyzing data, performing statistical analysis, and supporting research that informs policy recommendations. This internship gives you hands-on experience with real-world economic challenges while helping you strengthen both qualitative and quantitative research skills. Internship opportunities are available during the fall, spring, and summer, making it easier to align the experience with your academic schedule.
2. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies by program type. Need based financial aid available. No stipend
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year in summer, winter, fall, and spring
Application Deadline: Varies based on cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November); apply here
Eligibility: High school, undergraduate, and gap year students who can commit 10–20 hours per week for 8–12 weeks
The Ladder’s University Internship Program enables you to gain valuable experience in your chosen field by working with startups from around the world. Once matched with a project, you will collaborate with the company for 8 weeks. Each week is structured to help you progress toward a milestone, culminating in the final project delivery and presentation. Throughout the program, you will work with a company coach to define your deliverables, stay on track, and gain insights into the industry. The final project is a valuable addition to your profile and is supplemented by a reference letter from your startup founder or manager. Apply now!
3. Federal Reserve Board of Governors Summer Internship
Location: Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Paid. Varies by credit hours completed
Dates: 10 to 12 weeks starting in late May or early June
Application Deadline: Late October or November
Eligibility: U.S. citizens currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program pursuing a bachelor’s degree at an accredited university who will return to continue studies after the internship
This highly regarded program in Washington, D.C., immerses students in the heart of the U.S. central banking system. You will collaborate with economists in areas such as Monetary Affairs and Financial Stability, supporting work that includes data analysis, economic modeling, and policy-focused research. The internship is academically demanding and offers a clear view of what it’s like to work as a research assistant or professional economist. In addition to hands-on research, you will participate in seminars with senior leadership and attend career development sessions. The program is considered one of the top economics research opportunities for undergraduates because of its close connection to national economic policymaking.
4. The Brookings Institution Internship
Location: Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Paid. Amount or rate not publicly disclosed
Dates: Summer June 1 or June 16 to August 21 or September 4. Fall mid September to mid December. Spring mid January to mid April
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort. Summer February 22. Fall mid June. Spring mid October
Eligibility: Undergraduate students, graduate students, and recent graduates. International students with work authorization eligible
The Brookings Institution runs a selective internship program that gives students the opportunity to work closely with researchers in its Economic Studies division. As an intern, you will support ongoing projects by reviewing academic literature, gathering and analyzing data, and preparing summaries of hearings, events, and conferences for senior scholars. The program places strong emphasis on mentorship, encouraging interns to take part in internal discussions and public policy events to deepen their understanding of current economic and policy issues. Known for its rigorous research environment, this internship offers valuable exposure at one of the world’s leading think tanks and is a strong option for undergraduates interested in economics research and public policy.
5. American Enterprise Institute (AEI) Summer Honors Program
Location: Washington, D.C.
Stipend: $250
Dates: One week intensive sessions throughout June and July. A select few students may be invited for a five week multi seminar track
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: Current undergraduate students freshmen through seniors and recent graduates within the last year who are first time participants
The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) provides a structured educational experience designed to complement, rather than mirror, a traditional internship. You will take part in rigorous seminars taught by leading scholars and policy practitioners, exploring themes such as market economics, governance, and global development. Alongside academic discussions, the program features networking events, institutional visits across Washington, D.C., and career-focused briefings. This blend of learning, exposure, and professional interaction allows undergraduates to engage deeply with economic and policy ideas while building meaningful connections with experts in the field.
6. MDRC Gueron Scholars Program – Undergraduate Internship
Location: New York, NY or Oakland, CA
Stipend: Paid hourly. Rate not specified
Dates: 8 weeks in summer from June to mid August
Application Deadline: January 23
Eligibility: Rising undergraduate seniors
MDRC is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that conducts rigorous research to understand which policies and programs effectively improve outcomes for people with low incomes. Through the Gueron Scholars Program, the internship introduces students from underrepresented backgrounds to careers in social policy research. As an intern, you will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on active policy evaluations, supporting tasks such as data analysis, qualitative research, and project coordination. The program offers practical experience applying economic and research tools to real social challenges, making it a strong option for students who want to use economics to drive positive social impact outside of government settings.
7. US Department of Commerce Internship Program
Location: Varies by office
Stipend: None
Dates: Summer, spring, and fall cohorts
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: U.S. citizens age 18 or older on or before the first day of the internship. Must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at a college, community college, or university
The U.S. Department of Commerce internships offer valuable exposure to how federal agencies operate, much like internships at the Treasury Department. Although the role is unpaid, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis for spring, summer, and fall terms, and the program allows for flexible scheduling. You can apply to work with a range of offices, such as the Office of the Secretary, Office of the Deputy Secretary, Office of Public Affairs, Office of Strategy and Planning, and the International Trade Administration, among others. Since each office focuses on different policy and operational areas, applicants are able to list their top three office preferences when applying.
8. US Department of Agriculture Wallace-Carver Fellowship
Location: USDA research centers and offices across the U.S.
Stipend: Paid. Amount not specified
Dates: June 2 to August 8
Application Deadline: December 1
Eligibility: U.S. citizens who are full time undergraduate or graduate students and have participated in a World Food Prize Youth Program
Through the Wallace-Carver Fellowship, you will dive into the intersection of agriculture and public service by working directly within the USDA’s diverse offices. Your experience will span critical topics like food security, sustainable farming, biotechnology, and rural development, giving you a front-row seat to national policy. During the program, you will assist in lab research, analyze data for policy reports, and collaborate on field projects alongside senior scientists and economists. A unique feature is the program’s focus on the World Food Prize mission, offering you exclusive professional development and direct mentorship from global agricultural leaders.
9. Tufts University Undergraduate Research Opportunity in Economics
Location: Tufts University campus, Medford or Somerville, MA
Stipend: Paid. Amount not specified
Dates: 10 weeks in summer from early June to mid August
Application Deadline: Early March
Eligibility: Rising undergraduate juniors or rising seniors currently enrolled at Tufts
Through the Tufts Undergraduate Research Opportunity in Economics, you will partner with faculty mentors to tackle pressing global issues like income inequality, environmental policy, and international trade. During your time in the program, you’ll assist with data collection, conduct thorough literature reviews, and perform empirical analysis using statistical software like Stata or R. You will gain critical technical skills in econometrics and data visualization while learning how to structure professional academic papers. Ultimately, these roles are designed to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world application, often serving as a direct springboard for your own senior honors thesis.
10. Cornell University Department of Economics – Research Opportunities
Location: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Stipend: Paid. Amount not specified
Dates: 8 to 10 weeks in summer from late May to late July
Application Deadline: Mid January
Eligibility: Current Cornell undergraduates. Typically rising sophomores to seniors
The Cornell University Economics Department offers undergraduates the chance to gain experience in economic research through faculty-led projects and independent studies. As a research assistant, you can work directly with professors and graduate students on real economic questions, helping with data collection, analysis, modeling, and visualization. The program allows you to apply the skills and knowledge you’ve learned in class to practical research, while also developing technical abilities in tools like Stata, Excel, or MATLAB. Beyond research, you can explore independent projects or an honors thesis, participate in seminars, and engage with campus-wide research resources.
11. Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research – Undergraduate Research Fellows Program (Summer)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Stipend: $8,000
Dates: June 23 to August 29
Application Deadline: Early March
Eligibility: Current Stanford undergraduate students during the summer quarter who are not on suspension or on leave of absence
The SIEPR Undergraduate Research Fellows (UGRF) program at Stanford University gives you a structured opportunity to engage in policy‑relevant economic research alongside faculty and graduate researchers. Through the full‑time summer research fellowship, you’ll contribute to real economics projects, gaining experience with data analysis, literature review, and research methods. The program also connects you with seminars, workshops, and events hosted by the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research, allowing you to engage with current economic policy debates and build professional skills. In addition to strengthening your research capabilities, UGRF offers mentorship and networking with scholars.
12. MIT Economics Undergraduate Research
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA
Stipend: Paid. Amount not specified
Dates: June to August
Application Deadline: Late January
Eligibility: Current MIT undergraduates from any year eligible for UROP economics research
The MIT Economics Undergraduate Research allows you to engage directly with faculty on real economic research projects. Through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) or structured project labs, you can assist with data collection, statistical analysis, modeling, and literature review, applying the skills you learn in class to \ research questions. The program allows you to explore areas like macroeconomics, microeconomics, labor economics, and public policy, while gaining mentorship from world-class faculty. You can participate part-time during the academic year or full-time over the summer, building both technical and analytical skills.
13. Cato Institute Internship
Location: Washington, D.C.
Stipend: $17.50 per hour
Dates: Spring late January to late April. Summer late May to mid August. Fall mid September to mid December
Application Deadline: Spring November 2. Summer February 16. Fall June 28
Eligibility: Undergraduates, recent graduates, and graduate students
The Cato Institute Internship Program offers undergraduates a comprehensive introduction to policy research and analysis within a leading think tank. You will contribute to projects that explore economic and social issues, including social policy, trade, energy, and public finance. Your tasks may involve collecting and analyzing data, tracking legislative and regulatory developments, drafting policy memos, and preparing op-eds, giving you hands-on experience in communicating complex ideas clearly. In addition to research work, you will attend seminars, workshops, and events that expose you to current policy debates and allow you to build connections with scholars, policy analysts, and former interns.
14. Pew Research Center Internships
Location: Hybrid in Washington, D.C.
Stipend: $18.50 per hour
Dates: 12 weeks from June to August
Application Deadline: February 11
Eligibility: Undergraduate students currently enrolled in college pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree
The Pew Research Center Internship gives you experience in a collaborative environment where you’ll work on projects across economics, public opinion research, communications, and more. You’ll gain exposure to professional workflows, build your network, and participate in programs that connect you with the organization’s staff. Pew’s research focuses on empirical analysis that informs public policy, covering economic, political, and demographic issues. During your internship, you’ll develop or enhance skills with statistical software, contribute to the research process, and have the opportunity to work on a report or publish a blog post, giving you practical experience in applied research and policy analysis.
15. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) Internship
Location: Washington, D.C. with selective hybrid options
Stipend: $18 per hour
Dates: Spring January to May. Summer June to August. Fall September to December
Application Deadline: Spring early October. Summer early March. Fall early June
Eligibility: Current undergraduates, graduate students, and recent graduates
The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) Internship gives you the opportunity to work on policies that impact low- and moderate-income families, with placements in areas like State Fiscal Policy, Housing Policy, and Income Security Policy. As an intern, you will attend strategy meetings, contribute to research, and help produce the Center’s policy papers. You will gain experience translating complex fiscal and economic data into clear, accessible analysis, a key skill for policy advocacy. This internship is ideal for undergraduates who are passionate about equitable economic policy, social justice, and making a tangible impact through research.
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