Business Economics at Ashford University

San Diego, CA · Private for-profit · Bachelor's Degree · Business/Managerial Economics
71 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
72
Optimistic
71
Base Case
68
Pessimistic
Earnings $66,360/yr (24% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (105,700 openings/yr)
ROI 14.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #6 of 81 Business/Managerial Economics programs Top 10%

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $772K $737K $644K
Earnings Multiple 14.7x 14.0x 12.2x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 58% 42%
DegreeOutlook Score 72 71 68

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$52,640
Median Debt at Graduation
$38,365
6.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$86,666
31% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $66,360 per year, Business Economics graduates from Ashford University earn slightly above the $53,330 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

With a 14.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 17% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Business Economics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $38,365 against $66,360/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

At #6 of 81 programs, this Business Economics program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

A 31% earnings increase from $66,360 to $86,666 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Ashford University

serving a student body of 23,734 in San Diego, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at Ashford University →

Top Career Paths

Economics teachers, postsecondary $119,980/yr
Economists $115,440/yr
Financial risk specialists $106,000/yr
View all 5 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Business Economics at Other Schools

Other Majors at Ashford University

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

What does a 71/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Business Economics at Ashford University?
At 71/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Should I worry about AI if I study Business Economics at Ashford University?
The 53% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →