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Economics at DePauw University

Greencastle, IN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
67 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
68
Optimistic
67
Base Case
63
Pessimistic
Earnings $63,395/yr (17% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 3.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #165 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 $886K $846K $707K
Earnings Multiple 3.9x 3.7x 3.1x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 68 67 63

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$228,280
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$98,184
57% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,932
5.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$97,814
54% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

DePauw University's Economics graduates start at $63,395/yr — above the $53,966 national average, though not by a wide margin.

At 3.7x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 20% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Economics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $26,932 in median debt clears quickly against $63,395 in annual earnings.

A #165 ranking among 351 Economics programs places DePauw University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $63,395-to-$97,814 earnings arc over five years reflects a 54% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About DePauw University

DePauw University's 54% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, with a smaller student body of 1,804 in Greencastle, IN. The average net cost of $98,184 over four years represents a 57% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at DePauw 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 DePauw University

Computer Science ($70,026) Political Science and Government ($44,224) Communication and Media Studies ($43,141) Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics ($43,049) Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies ($31,640)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Economics trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 67/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Economics at DePauw University?
At 67/100, DePauw University's Economics program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Economics at DePauw 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.
What do students actually pay for Economics at DePauw University?
The 57% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $228,280. At a net cost of $98,184, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →