Home › Colgate University › Economics

Economics at Colgate University

Hamilton, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
72 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
73
Optimistic
72
Base Case
69
Pessimistic
Earnings $77,274/yr (43% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 4.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #86 of 351 Economics programs Top 25%

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 $1,155K $1,087K $872K
Earnings Multiple 4.3x 4.1x 3.3x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 73 72 69

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$268,096
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$116,428
57% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,500
2.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$130,139
68% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates of Colgate University's Economics program earn $77,274/yr in their first year — 43% above the $53,966 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

At 4.1x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 24% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Economics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $17,500 in median debt against $77,274 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

Colgate University ranks #86 among 351 Economics programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $77,274-to-$130,139 earnings arc over five years reflects a 68% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Colgate University

Colgate University admits 12% of applicants — among the most selective institutions in the country, with a smaller student body of 3,122 in Hamilton, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $116,428 over four years — 57% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Colgate 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

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 Colgate University

Computer Science ($79,929) Political Science and Government ($56,064) Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics ($53,541) Sociology ($51,788) English Language and Literature, General ($48,008) Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology ($44,089) Research and Experimental Psychology ($41,883) Natural Resources Conservation and Research ($41,870)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Economics trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 does a 72/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Economics at Colgate University?
At 72/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Should I worry about AI if I study Economics at Colgate 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 Colgate University one of the best schools for Economics?
Among 351 Economics programs, Colgate University's #86 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
What do students actually pay for Economics at Colgate University?
The 57% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $268,096. At a net cost of $116,428, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →