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Economics at Amherst College

Amherst, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $90,568/yr (68% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)

ROI 4.5x earnings multiple

Ranked #32 of 351 Economics programs Top 10%

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	$1,300K	$1,218K	$961K
Earnings Multiple	4.8x	4.5x	3.6x
Probability of Field Employment	66%	60%	41%
DegreeOutlook Score	76	75	71

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$269,120

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$72,984

73% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$16,662

2.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$150,151

66% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Amherst College Economics graduates command $90,568/yr out of the gate, well above the $53,966 national median. That 68% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

The 4.5x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 56% task exposure — and the 26% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $16,662 in median debt clears quickly against $90,568 in annual earnings.

A #32 ranking out of 351 Economics programs nationally puts Amherst College in the top 10% — a strong but not elite position.

Earnings growth from $90,568 to $150,151 over five years (66% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Amherst College

Only 10% of applicants gain admission to Amherst College, reflecting elite selectivity, with a smaller student body of 1,907 in Amherst, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $72,984 — 73% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Amherst 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 Amherst 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 Amherst College's Economics program score?

A score of 75/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. Amherst College's Economics graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.

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 Amherst College after financial aid?

Sticker price is $269,120, but the average net cost is $72,984 — a 73% 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 →