Economics at Coe College

Cedar Rapids, IA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
45 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
46
Optimistic
45
Base Case
44
Pessimistic
Earnings $42,311/yr (-22% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 2.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #340 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 $488K $488K $463K
Earnings Multiple 2.3x 2.3x 2.2x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 46 45 44

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$210,304
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$76,620
64% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
7.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $42,311/yr fall 22% below the $53,966 national median for Economics. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

At 2.3x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

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

At $27,000 against $42,311/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #340 ranking among 351 Economics programs places Coe College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Coe College

Coe College has a 71% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a smaller student body of 1,246 in Cedar Rapids, IA. The average net cost of $76,620 over four years represents a 64% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Coe 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

Economics at Other Schools

Other Majors at Coe College

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 45/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Economics at Coe College?
At 45/100, 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 Coe 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 Coe College a good choice for Economics despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Coe College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
What do students actually pay for Economics at Coe College?
The 64% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $210,304. At a net cost of $76,620, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →