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Economics at Austin College

Sherman, TX · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
40 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
41
Optimistic
40
Base Case
45
Pessimistic
Earnings $33,957/yr (-37% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 3.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #346 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 $721K $698K $606K
Earnings Multiple 3.9x 3.8x 3.3x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 41 40 45

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$186,000
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$93,804
50% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$67,932
100% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $33,957 per year, Economics graduates from Austin College earn below the $53,966 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

At 3.8x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 16% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Economics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

A #346 ranking among 351 Economics programs places Austin College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $33,957-to-$67,932 earnings arc over five years reflects a 100% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Austin College

Austin College accepts 47% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, a compact campus enrolling 1,125 students in Sherman, TX. The average net cost of $93,804 over four years represents a 50% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Austin 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

Compare this program → View all 351 schools offering Economics →

Economics at Other Schools

Harvard University ($103,993) Princeton University ($103,041) Duke University ($98,649) Stanford University ($98,104) Dartmouth College ($94,675) University of Chicago ($92,075) Amherst College ($90,568) Claremont McKenna College ($89,505)

Other Majors at Austin College

Finance and Financial Management Services ($38,592) Computer Science ($35,462) Business/Commerce, General ($31,934) Public Health ($27,514) Political Science and Government ($23,243) Psychology, General ($23,054) Biology, General ($18,071)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Economics trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 40/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Economics at Austin College?
At 40/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Economics programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Economics at Austin College?
The 56% 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.
Is Austin College a good choice for Economics despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Austin College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →