Program Analysis
Graduates earn $47,098/yr, roughly in line with the $53,966 national median for Economics. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
The 17.4x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.
AI risk is moderate — 56% task exposure — and the 10% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $25,500 debt-to-$47,098 income ratio translates to about 6 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
Ranked #148 out of 351 programs, Montana State University's Economics offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.
The five-year earnings trajectory from $47,098 to $58,698 shows 25% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.