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Economics at Gonzaga University

Spokane, WA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $44,845/yr (-17% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)

ROI 4.2x earnings multiple

Ranked #268 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	$947K	$901K	$745K
Earnings Multiple	4.4x	4.2x	3.5x
Probability of Field Employment	66%	60%	41%
DegreeOutlook Score	61	60	57

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$214,000

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$145,484

32% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$22,125

5.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$93,627

109% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $44,845/yr fall 17% below the $53,966 national median for Economics. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

At 4.2x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 21% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Economics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $22,125 in median debt against $44,845 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #268 ranking among 351 Economics programs places Gonzaga University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $44,845-to-$93,627 earnings arc over five years reflects a 109% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Gonzaga University

Gonzaga University has a 76% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 5,098 students in Spokane, WA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $145,484 — 32% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Gonzaga 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 Gonzaga University

Explore the Trade Alternative

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 60/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Economics at Gonzaga University?

At 60/100, the score looks reasonable — but Economics is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.

Should I worry about AI if I study Economics at Gonzaga 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 Gonzaga University a good choice for Economics despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Gonzaga University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →