Economics at Fordham University

Bronx, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
62 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
63
Optimistic
62
Base Case
58
Pessimistic
Earnings $55,020/yr (2% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 3.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #235 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 $842K $807K $680K
Earnings Multiple 3.4x 3.3x 2.7x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 63 62 58

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$247,968
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$170,324
31% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,250
5.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$90,012
64% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $55,020/yr, roughly in line with the $53,966 national median for Economics. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

An earnings multiple of 3.3x means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition, but not by a dramatic margin. Returns are positive but modest.

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 19% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $55,020 far exceeding the $23,250 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #235 of 351 Economics programs, Fordham University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $90,012 show a 64% jump from the $55,020 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Fordham University

A 56% admission rate makes Fordham University accessible to a wide range of qualified students, serving 10,239 students in Bronx, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $170,324 over four years — 31% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Fordham 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 Fordham 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 Fordham University?
This program scores 62/100 — 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 $680,419 in decade earnings vs $842,284 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →