Program Analysis
Graduates earn $46,791/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 2.8x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.
AI risk is moderate — 56% task exposure — and the 17% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
With first-year pay of $46,791 far exceeding the $16,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
At #311 out of 351 programs, Grinnell College's financial outcomes for Economics trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth from $46,791 to $78,815 over five years (68% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.