Economics at Calvin University

Grand Rapids, MI · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
44 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
46
Optimistic
44
Base Case
43
Pessimistic
Earnings $43,746/yr (-19% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 3.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #345 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 $492K $492K $466K
Earnings Multiple 3.2x 3.2x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 46 44 43

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$154,680
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$99,132
36% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,000
5.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,400
11% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $43,746 place Calvin University below the $53,966 national median for Economics — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

At 3.2x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 5% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Economics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $43,746 far exceeding the $20,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #345 ranking among 351 Economics programs places Calvin University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $43,746 to $48,400 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Calvin University

Calvin University accepts 71% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a compact campus enrolling 2,921 students in Grand Rapids, MI. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $99,132 — 36% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Calvin 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 Calvin University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 44/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Economics at Calvin University?
At 44/100, 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 Calvin University?
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 Calvin University a good choice for Economics despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Calvin University'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 →