Economics at Knox College

Galesburg, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
33 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
34
Optimistic
33
Base Case
35
Pessimistic
Earnings $23,222/yr (-57% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 3.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #351 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 $875K $836K $701K
Earnings Multiple 3.9x 3.8x 3.2x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 34 33 35

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$222,348
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$99,500
55% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,498
12.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$69,504
199% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $23,222 place Knox College below the $53,966 national median for Economics — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

The 3.8x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 56% task exposure — and the 20% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $24,498 debt load exceeds a year of the $23,222 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #351 out of 351 programs, Knox College's financial outcomes for Economics trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $23,222 to $69,504 over five years (199% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Knox College

Knox College accepts 71% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a smaller institution with 997 students in Galesburg, IL. The average net cost of $99,500 over four years represents a 55% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Knox College →

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 Knox College

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

How does Knox College's Economics program score?
This program scores 33/100 — on the lower end for Economics. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Knox College Economics graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.1x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
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 are Economics earnings lower at Knox College?
Lower starting pay at Knox College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
How affordable is Economics at Knox College after financial aid?
Sticker price is $222,348, but the average net cost is $99,500 — a 55% 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 →