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Economics at Iowa State University

Ames, IA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $57,619/yr (7% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)

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

ROI 17.2x earnings multiple (6.5x out-of-state)

Ranked #17 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	$746K	$720K	$621K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	17.8x	17.2x	14.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.7x	6.5x	5.6x
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, In-State (Sticker)

$41,988

Out-of-state: $110,732 (6.5x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$72,660

-73% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,250

4.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$81,208

41% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Iowa State University's Economics graduates start at $57,619/yr — above the $53,966 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With a 17.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 17% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Economics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $21,250 in median debt clears quickly against $57,619 in annual earnings.

Iowa State University ranks #17 among 351 Economics programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 41% earnings increase from $57,619 to $81,208 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Iowa State University

A 89% acceptance rate means Iowa State University is accessible to most applicants, serving a student body of 25,033 in Ames, IA.

See all programs and financial aid at Iowa State 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

Compare Economics

Other Majors at Iowa State University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 77/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Economics at Iowa State University?

At 77/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.

Should I worry about AI if I study Economics at Iowa State 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 Iowa State University one of the best schools for Economics?

Among 351 Economics programs, Iowa State University's #17 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

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