Economics at Case Western Reserve University

Cleveland, OH · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
57 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
58
Optimistic
57
Base Case
53
Pessimistic
Earnings $53,148/yr (-2% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 2.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #291 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 $741K $716K $618K
Earnings Multiple 2.9x 2.8x 2.4x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 58 57 53

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$258,684
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$155,636
40% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,883
5.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$79,150
49% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $53,148/yr, roughly in line with the $53,966 national median for Economics. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The financial case is thin at 2.8x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

Some AI exposure exists in Economics's typical career paths, with 56% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 17% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $53,148 far exceeding the $23,883 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #291 of 351 Economics programs, Case Western Reserve University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $53,148 to $79,150 over five years — a 49% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Case Western Reserve University

Case Western Reserve University accepts 29% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, with a mid-sized student body of 6,108 in Cleveland, OH. After financial aid, the average student pays $155,636 over four years — 40% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Case Western Reserve 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 Case Western Reserve University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Economics at Case Western Reserve University?
This program scores 57/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Economics programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
Will AI replace Economics careers?
With 56% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $618,489 in decade earnings vs $741,281 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →