Why Researchers Choose American Economic Review for High-Impact Publications

The American Economic Review (AER) is one of the most prestigious journals in the field of economics, serving as a vital platform for groundbreaking research since its inception. Published by the American Economic Association, AER attracts submissions from leading scholars worldwide, focusing on original contributions that advance economic theory, empirical analysis, and policy implications. Its reputation for excellence stems from a meticulous peer-review process that ensures only the highest-quality work is published. Researchers value AER for its broad reach, influencing policymakers, academics, and practitioners across Business & Economics disciplines.

With a history spanning over a century, AER has evolved to cover diverse topics, from microeconomics and macroeconomics to labor economics, development, and behavioral economics. The journal's commitment to open discourse is evident in its publication of articles, notes, comments, and book reviews that stimulate debate and innovation. For those aiming to publish in American Economic Review, the journal offers not just academic validation but also significant career benefits, including enhanced citation rates and networking opportunities within the global economics community.

AER's impact is underscored by its inclusion in top indexing services, ensuring wide dissemination. Aspiring authors appreciate the journal's clear guidelines, which emphasize novelty, rigor, and relevance. Whether exploring econometric models or economic policy, AER provides a forum where ideas can shape the future of the discipline. As economics intersects with business practices and global challenges, publishing here positions researchers at the forefront of intellectual progress.

To maximize the value of your research journey, consider aligning your work with AER's standards early on. For additional resources on academic careers in economics, explore economics faculty positions to connect with institutions that value such publications.

Overview & History

The American Economic Review was first published in 1911 by the American Economic Association (AEA), founded in 1885 to promote economic studies. Initially quarterly, it transitioned to five issues per year, including a prestigious Papers and Proceedings volume from the AEA annual meeting. Over the decades, AER has mirrored the evolution of economics, from classical theory in its early years to embracing quantitative methods post-World War II. Key milestones include the introduction of the electronic edition in 1999 and open-access supplements for certain content. Today, it remains a flagship publication, with a print ISSN of 0002-8282 and electronic ISSN of 1944-7982, distributed globally to advance economic scholarship.

Scope and Disciplines Covered

AER encompasses a wide array of topics within economics and its intersections with business. It prioritizes research that is theoretically sound, empirically robust, and policy-relevant. Core areas include theoretical and applied economics, with emphasis on innovation across subfields.

Key Journal Metrics

AER's metrics reflect its elite status in Business & Economics. Data sourced from Clarivate Journal Citation Reports and Scopus highlight its influence.

Indexing and Abstracting

AER is indexed in major databases, ensuring discoverability. It appears in Web of Science, Scopus, EconLit, RePEc, and JSTOR. These services facilitate citations and access for researchers worldwide. For open-access elements, parts are available via PubMed Central for health economics articles, though the journal is primarily subscription-based. This indexing supports its role as a key resource in academic libraries and research institutions.

Publication Model and Fees

AER operates on a hybrid subscription model, with most content behind a paywall but options for open access via author payments. There are no article processing charges (APCs) for standard publication; instead, authors may incur page charges of $200 per page for the first 15 pages, waivable for financial hardship. The AEA funds operations through memberships and subscriptions, keeping costs accessible. Supplements and proceedings are often open access, promoting wider dissemination. This model balances quality control with equitable access for economists at various career stages.

Submission Process and Guidelines

Submissions to AER are handled exclusively online via the AEA's Editorial Express system. Authors must prepare manuscripts in double-spaced format, anonymized for blind review, with a maximum length of 40 pages including tables and figures. Guidelines emphasize clear writing, replication files for empirical work, and disclosure of conflicts. The process involves initial screening by editors, followed by referee reports within 3-6 months. Revisions are common, with final decisions aiming for timely publication. For detailed instructions, visit the official submission guidelines.

Editorial Board Highlights

The editorial team at AER is composed of distinguished economists from top institutions. Editor-in-Chief Amy Finkelstein, from MIT, oversees strategy with co-editors like Pascaline Dupas (Stanford) and Imran Rasul (UCL). Associate editors cover specialized areas, including econometrics and industrial organization. Their expertise ensures balanced, high-standard reviews. The board's diversity reflects global economics, with members from the US, Europe, and beyond, fostering inclusive scholarship.

Why Publish in American Economic Review?

Publishing in AER elevates a researcher's profile, with articles often cited thousands of times. It signals excellence to hiring committees and grant panels, crucial for tenure-track positions. The journal's prestige in Business & Economics amplifies impact, reaching over 20,000 AEA members and institutional subscribers. Authors gain from the rigorous feedback process, refining their work for broader application. In a competitive field, AER submission represents a strategic choice for long-term career growth. To complement your publication goals, check Rate My Professor for insights from academic peers.

Comparison with Similar Journals

AER holds a top rank among economics journals, compared to peers like Quarterly Journal of Economics (QJE) and Journal of Political Economy (JPE). Below is a comparative overview based on recent metrics.

Researcher Tips for Successful Submission

To succeed with an American Economic Review submission, start with a compelling abstract highlighting novelty. Ensure data transparency by providing replication codes on platforms like AEA Data and Code Repository. Tailor your paper to AER's audience, avoiding jargon while maintaining rigor. Seek feedback from colleagues before submitting, and be prepared for multiple revisions. Track common pitfalls like insufficient identification in empirical work. For broader career support, review the academic calendar for economics conferences to network and refine ideas. Additionally, explore business faculty jobs to see how publications influence opportunities. Internal resources like economics academic jobs can aid in positioning your research. For professor evaluations, use Rate My Professor. Stay updated via academic calendar events. Consider finance positions for interdisciplinary applications. Finally, labor economics jobs often value AER-level work.