Marginal Revolution University review
A focused, free economics learning platform with useful tools for classrooms.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
Marginal Revolution University pros and cons
- 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
Marginal Revolution University fact sheet, pricing and score →
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update