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Economics at Northwestern University

Evanston, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $84,932/yr (57% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)

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

ROI 3.9x earnings multiple

Ranked #61 of 351 Economics programs Top 25%

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	$1,078K	$1,018K	$825K
Earnings Multiple	4.1x	3.9x	3.1x
Probability of Field Employment	66%	60%	41%
DegreeOutlook Score	75	73	69

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$263,988

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$108,572

59% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$15,250

2.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$125,639

48% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Northwestern University Economics graduates command $84,932/yr out of the gate, well above the $53,966 national median. That 57% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

At 3.9x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 23% 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 — $15,250 in median debt clears quickly against $84,932 in annual earnings.

Northwestern University ranks #61 among 351 Economics programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 48% earnings increase from $84,932 to $125,639 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Northwestern University

Only 7% of applicants gain admission to Northwestern University, reflecting elite selectivity, with a mid-sized student body of 8,960 in Evanston, IL. The average net cost of $108,572 over four years represents a 59% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Northwestern 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 Northwestern 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 73/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Economics at Northwestern University?

At 73/100, 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 Northwestern 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 Northwestern University one of the best schools for Economics?

Among 351 Economics programs, Northwestern University's #61 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

What do students actually pay for Economics at Northwestern University?

The 59% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $263,988. At a net cost of $108,572, the earnings multiple improves substantially.

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