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Economics at Harvard University

Cambridge, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $103,993/yr (93% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)

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

ROI 5.4x earnings multiple

Ranked #18 of 351 Economics programs Top 5%

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	$1,355K	$1,267K	$995K
Earnings Multiple	5.7x	5.4x	4.2x
Probability of Field Employment	66%	60%	41%
DegreeOutlook Score	78	77	73

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$236,304

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$67,264

72% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$6,617

0.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$161,251

55% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $103,993 per year, Economics graduates from Harvard University significantly outpace the $53,966 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

At 5.4x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 56% task exposure — and the 27% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The median debt load of $6,617 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Ranked #18 out of 351 programs, Harvard University's Economics program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

Earnings growth from $103,993 to $161,251 over five years (55% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Harvard University

With just 3% of applicants admitted, Harvard University ranks among the nation's most selective schools, enrolling 7,755 students in Cambridge, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $67,264 — 72% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Harvard 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 Harvard 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

How does Harvard University's Economics program score?

A score of 77/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. Harvard University's Economics graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.

How vulnerable is Economics to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Economics careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 56% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

Why does Harvard University rank so high for Economics?

The #18 ranking out of 351 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.

How affordable is Economics at Harvard University after financial aid?

Sticker price is $236,304, but the average net cost is $67,264 — a 72% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.

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