Economics at Brown University

Providence, RI · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
69 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
70
Optimistic
69
Base Case
66
Pessimistic
Earnings $72,064/yr (34% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 3.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #137 of 351 Economics programs Top 50%

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 $995K $944K $774K
Earnings Multiple 3.6x 3.5x 2.8x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 70 69 66

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$272,920
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$106,288
61% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,000
2.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$112,306
56% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Brown University Economics graduates command $72,064/yr out of the gate, well above the $53,966 national median. That 34% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

The 3.5x 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 22% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $13,000 in median debt clears quickly against $72,064 in annual earnings.

Ranked #137 out of 351 programs, Brown University's Economics offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth from $72,064 to $112,306 over five years (56% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Brown University

Only 5% of applicants gain admission to Brown University, reflecting elite selectivity, with a mid-sized student body of 7,273 in Providence, RI. The average net cost of $106,288 over four years represents a 61% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Brown University →

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 Brown 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

How does Brown University's Economics program score?
This program scores 69/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Economics graduates.
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 Brown University after financial aid?
Sticker price is $272,920, but the average net cost is $106,288 — a 61% 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 →