15 Economics Research Internships for Undergraduates
- Stephen Turban
- 2 hours ago
- 10 min read
If you’re an undergraduate interested in economics research, consider doing an internship in the field. Economics research internships are one of the most accessible ways for undergraduates to work with economic data, policy questions, and researchers. These opportunities allow you to apply econometrics, data analysis, and policy evaluation to challenges while gaining experience that strengthens your résumé.
Whether you’re interested in monetary policy, global development, social equity, or financial markets, there’s an internship where you can apply your analytical skills. Plus, with remote economics research internships for undergraduates, you can access high-quality research experiences without worrying about geographic or financial barriers.
When choosing the right opportunity, students often look for programs that offer prestige, professional experience, and networking opportunities, especially those that involve mentorship, collaboration with economists, or exposure to policy debates. To help you get started, we’ve curated a list of 15 economics research internships for undergraduates, selected for their credibility, learning value, and accessibility.
If you're hoping to explore even more competitive opportunities, check out our other guides on prestigious academic and policy internships here.
15 Economics Research Internships for Undergraduates
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: None | Paid internship (stipend varies by credit hours completed)
Dates: 10–12 weeks starting in either late May or early June
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in September and close by November/December for the following summer | Roughly 100 interns are employed each summer
Eligibility: U.S. citizens currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program
This prestigious program in Washington, D.C., places students directly at the center of the U.S. central banking system. You’ll work alongside economists in divisions such as Monetary Affairs or Financial Stability, contributing to projects that involve statistical analysis and economic modeling. The experience is designed to be rigorous, offering students a realistic preview of life as a research assistant or staff economist. You’ll also attend seminars with Board members and career development workshops. This is widely regarded as one of the premier economics research internships for undergraduates, due to its direct impact on national economic policy.
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: No cost | Paid internships
Dates: Vary by cohort, but the internship typically lasts around 12 weeks
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort | Applications are usually due roughly 2-3 months before the start date
Eligibility: Undergraduate students, graduate students, and recent graduates, as well as international students with work authorization
The Brookings Institution offers a highly competitive internship program that allows students to engage in research within its Economic Studies program. You’ll be tasked with conducting literature reviews, collecting and analyzing data, and summarizing hearings or conferences for senior fellows. Mentorship is a key component, with interns encouraged to attend internal briefings and public events that broaden their understanding of current policy debates. The program stands out for its intellectual depth and the opportunity to work at one of the world's most influential think tanks. This is a top-tier choice for undergraduates seeking economics research internships with a focus on public policy.
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded | A $250 stipend, along with travel and housing, is provided
Dates: One-week intensive sessions throughout June and July
Application Deadline: Varies annually (typically in March) | 12-18 students per class
Eligibility: Current undergraduates
The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) offers a unique educational and professional development experience rather than a standard 9-to-5 job. You’ll participate in intensive, seminar-style courses led by scholars and policy practitioners on topics ranging from democratic capitalism to international development. Beyond the classroom, the program includes high-level networking dinners, site visits to D.C. institutions, and career briefings. It provides a rare opportunity for deep intellectual engagement with peers and experts, making it a distinct economics research experience for undergraduates.
Location: New York, NY or Oakland, CA
Cost: No cost | This is a paid internship
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: January 12
Eligibility: Rising undergraduate seniors | Applications from students from underrepresented groups in social-policy research are encouraged
MDRC is a non-profit, non-partisan education and social policy research organization dedicated to learning what works to improve the well-being of people with low incomes. This internship is part of the Gueron Scholars Program, which is designed to introduce students from underrepresented groups to the field of social policy research. You’ll work as part of multidisciplinary teams on real-world evaluations, gaining hands-on experience with data analysis, qualitative research, and project management. It is an excellent alternative to government agencies for students interested in applying economics to achieve social good.
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: No cost | All CEA internships are unpaid
Dates: January 12–May 7 (Spring) | May 18–August 14 (Summer)
Application Deadline: November 15 (Spring) | February 13 (Summer)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens | Current undergraduates with demonstrated interest in economics, statistics, mathematics, public policy, or finance | Must have a strong academic record and passion for public service
Interning at the White House Council of Economic Advisers offers a front-row seat to the executive branch's economic policymaking process. You’ll assist senior economists with research on a wide range of macroeconomic and microeconomic issues, contributing to data for the President's daily briefings. It is an extremely rigorous internship despite being unpaid, as the work directly supports the administration's economic policy agenda. For students prioritizing a career in government service, this is arguably one of the prestigious economics research internships.
Location: Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: No cost | Interns receive a stipend (varies by position)
Dates: Vary by research team and project
Application Deadline: Recruitment drives for summer internship positions typically happen in January
Eligibility: Open to current undergraduates, with specific requirements varying by position.
Located at MIT, J-PAL is a world-renowned research center dedicated to reducing poverty by ensuring that policy is informed by scientific evidence. Interns and research assistants work on tasks such as data cleaning, literature reviews, and assisting with randomized evaluations. This program is ideal for those interested in development economics and seeking hands-on experience with randomized controlled trials (RCTs). It offers deep exposure to academic research methods, making it a solid choice for those seeking economics research internships with an academic focus.
Location: Great Barrington, MA.
Cost: No cost | Interns are paid $15/hour and provided lunch, accommodation, as well as a travel allowance
Dates: February 1–April 18 (Spring) | May 31–August 8 (Summer) | August 30–November 14 (Fall)
Application Deadline: December 1 (Spring) | March 6 (Summer) | June 12 (Fall)
Eligibility: Undergraduates and recent graduate students
Located in the Berkshires, AIER offers a residential internship experience that functions more like a scholarly fellowship. The core of the program is a self-developed research project, during which you’ll be mentored on idea development, research, methodology selection, and presentation. You’ll live on campus and participate in seminar-style discussions and workshops on fundamental and advanced techniques in econometrics, economic analysis, the usage of Bloomberg terminal data, blockchain technology and more. The program places a heavy emphasis on academic writing and economic theory, distinguishing it from more administrative internships. It is an excellent fit for students who seek a deep dive into academic experience.
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: No cost, interns are paid $17.50/hour
Dates: Late-January to Late-April (Spring) | Late-May to Mid-August (Summer) | Mid-September to Mid-December (Fall)
Application Deadline: November 2 (Spring) | February 16 (Summer) | June 28 (Fall)
Eligibility: Undergraduates, recent graduates, and graduate students | International applicants may need work authorization
The Cato Institute offers an internship program geared towards students interested in individual liberty, limited government, and free markets. You’ll work on research projects, legislative/regulatory tracking, policy memos, op-ed drafts, and data analysis across areas like social policy, trade, energy, or public finance. You’ll also participate in seminars, workshops, and events and build connections with scholars, policy analysts, and former interns. For undergrads curious about how think tanks operate or how economic research intersects with public debate, this internship stands out.
Location: Washington, D.C., with hybrid options selectively available
Cost/Stipend: No cost | Undergraduate interns are paid $18/hour.
Dates: Typically a semester or ~10–12 weeks during summer (varies by posting)
Application Deadline: Varies | Typically about 3 months before the internship start date
Eligibility: Current undergraduates (some positions also open to graduates/recent grads)
The CBPP focuses on policies that affect low- and moderate-income families, offering internships in areas like State Fiscal Policy, Housing Policy, and Income Security Policy. Interns are treated as junior staff members, attending strategy meetings and helping to produce the Center’s policy papers. You will learn to translate complex fiscal data into accessible analysis, a critical skill for policy advocacy. For students passionate about equitable economic policy and social justice, this is one of the strongest options among economics research internships for undergraduates.
Location: Dallas, TX.
Cost: No cost | This is a paid internship
Dates: 10–12 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Rolling until filled | Intern positions are posted in the fall for the following summer
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students at an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0
The Dallas Fed offers a robust internship program that allows students to contribute to the Bank's research and operational missions. Interns are assigned to various departments, including Research and Statistics, where they may help with economic data analysis, regional economic assessments, and writing reports on regional or sectoral economic trends. You’ll be paired with a mentor and have the opportunity to present your project to senior leadership at the end of the summer. It’s a great opportunity for professional development and to get experience in the federal banking sector.
Location: Cleveland, OH.
Cost: No cost | This is a paid internship
Dates: 10–12 weeks in the summer.
Application Deadline: Rolling until filled | Internships are posted between September and November for the following summer
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students | Must have at least one semester left after the internship
If you’re interested in applied economic research, labor markets, regional economics, or banking operations and want to experience the internal operations of a regional central bank, the Cleveland Fed internship is a solid option. You may assist with research and analysis, develop regional economic reports, help with data collection, and work on topics such as labor economics, monetary trends, or bank operations. The program offers mentorship and the opportunity to learn from economists working within a major Federal Reserve branch.
Location: American University Department of Economics, Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: No cost | Tuition, room, and board are covered, plus a stipend is paid
Dates: June 1–July 24
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: Current undergraduates with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 | Must have taken calculus, statistics and microeconomics courses | Have a strong interest in pursuing a doctoral degree
Hosted at rotating universities (currently the American University), this program is designed to increase diversity in the economics profession. It prepares students for doctoral programs through rigorous coursework in microeconomics, econometrics, and research methods. You’ll receive mentorship from prominent faculty and conduct independent research projects, as well as earn up to 12 college credits over the course of the internship. It is an academically rigorous economics research internship and offers a valuable opportunity to build strong quantitative skills and connect with faculty and peers interested in academic careers.
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost: No cost | Paid internship
Dates: 10 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Varies by year | Applications open in the Fall
Eligibility: Undergraduate students (criteria vary by posting; strong GPA, relevant coursework or interest in policy/research recommended)
The Urban Institute is known for its social and economic policy research that affects housing, justice, health, or tax systems. You’ll collaborate with senior researchers on evidence-based policy work, engage in literature reviews, data analysis, and policy-report drafting. The program includes a “lightning-talk” end-of-summer presentation, letting you showcase your contributions to peers and mentors. Beyond technical work, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to network, attend workshops, and build long-lasting connections.
Location: New York, NY, Washington, D.C. | Remote options available
Cost/Stipend: No cost | Paid internship
Dates: Summer internships typically last 10–12 weeks
Application Deadline: Rolling until full | Applications for summer internships open in January
Eligibility: Current undergraduates who have completed the equivalent of four semesters of college coursework prior to the start of the internship
CFR’s internship program offers training in international economics, global policy, and foreign affairs. You’ll support research and analysis in departments such as International Economics or Geoeconomics, tracking global economic developments, drafting memos, coordinating events, and contributing to publications. Through CFR’s professional-development workshops and access to high-level experts, you’ll be able to build global-policy research experience with a global tilt, while sharpening writing, analytical, and networking skills.
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: No cost | Paid internships
Dates: CAP offers internships across Spring, Summer, and Fall sessions (duration varies)
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the session | Applicants submit through CAP’s internship resume bank
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students
CAP’s internship program provides a dynamic environment for addressing pressing domestic issues related to progressive economic policy, inclusive growth, and financial regulation. Interns in economic policy roles assist with research, policy memos, legislative briefings, and data analysis, often under tight timelines typical of a think-tank engaged in rapid-response policy advocacy. The work offers insight into how data, research, and economic arguments are translated into legislative proposals or public policy campaigns. For students aiming to influence social policy or government legislation, this internship can offer a fast-paced but deeply relevant inside look.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here, check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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