An Economics Competition for High School Students
The Maryland Economics Challenge is an exciting academic competition where high school students across the state showcase their knowledge and application of economics in a dynamic, one-day event. This unique program challenges students on both micro and macroeconomic principles, as well as their understanding of the global economy, making it the only competition of its kind.
Student teams compete with the same enthusiasm as a sports event, striving for the title of Maryland State Champion. The top team earns the honor of representing Maryland at the National Economics Challenge Competition, providing a prestigious platform for students to deepen their economics skills and knowledge.
2025-2026 Competition Dates
Maryland Economics Challenge
Online Testing:
- Spring Online Testing: March 19-27, 2026
Maryland Economics Challenge Finals: April 14, 2026
National Semi Finals Finals: April 20-24, 2026
National Economics Challenge
May 27-29, 2026 – Atlanta
Competition Divisions
The competition provides an opportunity for students to compete in two divisions:
- David Ricardo Division: For first-time competitors with limited economics experience.
- Adam Smith Division: For AP, International Baccalaureate, honors, and returning competitors, including dual-enrollment students taught by a secondary teacher.
Prizes and Recognition
State Winners
All team members and their teacher/advisor receive a cash prize.
First Place – $250, Second Place – $125
National Winners
All student team members receive a cash prize and travel and lodging expenses paid trip to Finals in Atlanta, GA.
Congratulation to the 2025 Maryland Economics Challenge winners!
Adam Smith Division
1st Place, Mt. Hebron High, Vann Prime Advisor
2nd Place, River Hill High, Jessica Nichols, Advisor
David Ricardo Divison
1st Place, Mt Hebron High, Vann Prime Advisor
2nd Place, River Hill High, Jessica Nichols, Advisor
Mt. Hebron Students Win 1st Place at National Economics Challenge in both the Adam Smith and David Ricardo divisions!
Watch the 2025 National Econ Quiz Bowl here:
Get inspired by watching this Squawk Box segment featuring two students from Mt. Hebron.
Teacher/Advisor Toolkit
Maryland EconChallenge
Learn more about the Maryland Econ Challenge including Registration, Key Dates, and Rules.
National Economics Challenge
Discover the details about the National Economics Challenge including How it Works, Awards, Preparation Materials, Practice Tests, Rules and Eligibility and more.
National 2026 Rules and Eligibility
The rules include details about team divisions, team composition (which have been changed), student eligibility, and more.
Study Materials
Study materials provided by the Council on Economic Education.
Econ Bootcamp Webinar Series
On demand webinar series on topics related to Microeconomics and Macroeconomics provided by the Council on Economic Education.
2020 Critical Thinking Round Critique
Watch the winning presentation from the 2020 Econ Challenge.
See if you’ve got what it takes to compete in the National Economics Challenge℠ by completing the following sample tests:
Practice with ReadyAssessments
Search the library for tests and questions.
Critical Thinking Round Examples
Practice AP Questions
Sample AP Microeconomics and Macroeconomics Tests (note: a free EconEdLink account is required to access)
Question Breakdown
Sponsors
