Marginal Revolution University
Marginal Revolution University: A focused, free economics learning platform with useful tools for classrooms. Ranked #63 of 66 in MOOC Platforms by our editors (6.0/10); pricing: Free plan; best for free economics courses and classroom use.
At a glance
- Editor score6.0 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forFree economics courses and classroom use
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Founded2012 · Arlington, Virginia, United States
- Facts checked22 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Full economics courses taught through professor-led video lessons
- Interactive practice, quizzes, progress tracking, and certificates
- Teacher lesson plans, assessments, assignments, and classroom activities
Where it doesn't
- Focused on economics rather than a broad range of subjects
- Web-only delivery limits platform flexibility
- No enterprise plans or degree programs
Our verdict on Marginal Revolution University
Marginal Revolution University is a nonprofit online education platform for learners studying economics and educators building economics lessons. Founded by economists Tyler Cowen and Alex Tabarrok, it covers microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, development economics, international trade, finance, and personal finance. Individual learners receive full courses, professor-taught video lessons, interactive practice, reviews, quizzes, progress tracking, and completion certificates. High-school and university educators also get lesson plans, assessments, assignments, activities, and classroom videos.
The published Free plan costs $0 USD and includes the platform’s full courses, video lessons, interactive practice, quizzes, progress tracking, and certificates. There are no paid tiers to compare, so the product keeps its pricing straightforward for both individual learners and educators. Its classroom materials add practical value for instructors who want structured economics content, including lesson plans, assessments, assignments, and activities. The result is a useful fit for teaching or self-directed study when economics is the primary subject.
Subject focus is both the platform’s clearest strength and its main boundary. The range within economics is substantial, but learners looking for courses outside economics will need a broader MOOC platform. Delivery is web-only, and the product does not offer enterprise plans or degree programs. Choose Marginal Revolution University for free economics instruction, professor-led lessons, practice, and classroom support. Choose an alternative when you need a multi-subject catalog, enterprise functionality, or degree-focused study.
Your product? Our editors can test Marginal Revolution University in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Marginal Revolution University pricing
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Marginal Revolution University fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Course access model | Not verified |
| Completion certificates | Yes |
| Degree programs | No |
| Enterprise plans | No |
| Mobile apps | Not verified |
| Offline learning | Not verified |
| Deployment | Cloud |
| Platforms | Web |
| Support | Email, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | mru.org |
| Facts checked | 22 Sep 2026 |
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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