Economics at Eastern Washington University

Cheney, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
61 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
61
Optimistic
61
Base Case
63
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,368/yr (-31% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 19.1x earnings multiple (6.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #253 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 $654K $638K $565K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 19.6x 19.1x 16.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.3x 6.2x 5.5x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 61 61 63

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$33,412
Out-of-state: $103,568 (6.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$52,364
-57% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,756
6.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$63,899
71% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Eastern Washington University's Economics graduates start at $37,368/yr, trailing the $53,966 national average by 31%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 19.1x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Economics programs nationally.

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 14% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $18,756 represents roughly 6 months of the $37,368 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #253 of 351 Economics programs, Eastern Washington University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $63,899 show a 71% jump from the $37,368 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Eastern Washington University

A 92% acceptance rate means Eastern Washington University is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 6,517 students in Cheney, WA.

See all programs and financial aid at Eastern Washington 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 Eastern Washington 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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Economics at Eastern Washington University?
This program scores 61/100 — 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 $564,973 in decade earnings vs $654,000 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Economics from Eastern Washington University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →