Economics at Albion College

Albion, MI · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
49 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
50
Optimistic
49
Base Case
46
Pessimistic
Earnings $48,756/yr (-10% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 2.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #332 of 351 Economics programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Economics graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $595K $584K $529K
Earnings Multiple 2.7x 2.6x 2.4x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 50 49 46

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$222,984
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$67,528
70% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,849
6.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$61,833
27% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $48,756/yr, Economics graduates from Albion College land near the $53,966 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

An earnings multiple of 2.6x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 56% task exposure — and the 11% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $26,849 debt-to-$48,756 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #332 out of 351 programs, Albion College's financial outcomes for Economics trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $48,756 to $61,833 shows 27% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Albion College

With 83% of applicants admitted, Albion College prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 1,347 students in Albion, MI. With 45% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $67,528 — 70% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Albion College →

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Economics teachers, postsecondary $119,980/yr
Economists $115,440/yr
View all 9 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Economics at Other Schools

Other Majors at Albion College

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Albion College's Economics program score?
This program scores 49/100 — on the lower end for Economics. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Economics to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Economics careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 56% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
How affordable is Economics at Albion College after financial aid?
Sticker price is $222,984, but the average net cost is $67,528 — a 70% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →