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Economics at Pacific Lutheran University

Tacoma, WA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
47 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
48
Optimistic
47
Base Case
45
Pessimistic
Earnings $43,806/yr (-19% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 2.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #339 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 $499K $498K $470K
Earnings Multiple 2.4x 2.4x 2.3x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 48 47 45

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$203,856
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$85,480
58% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $43,806/yr fall 19% below the $53,966 national median for Economics. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

An earnings multiple of 2.4x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 56% task exposure — and the 6% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

At #339 out of 351 programs, Pacific Lutheran University's financial outcomes for Economics trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Pacific Lutheran University

Pacific Lutheran University has a 81% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a compact campus enrolling 2,350 students in Tacoma, WA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $85,480 — 58% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Pacific Lutheran 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

Compare this program → View all 351 schools offering Economics →

Economics at Other Schools

Harvard University ($103,993) Princeton University ($103,041) Duke University ($98,649) Stanford University ($98,104) Dartmouth College ($94,675) University of Chicago ($92,075) Amherst College ($90,568) Claremont McKenna College ($89,505)

Other Majors at Pacific Lutheran University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($81,761) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($78,055) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($57,683) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($57,624) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($52,919) Chemistry ($44,555) Political Science and Government ($41,518) Biology, General ($36,766)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Economics trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 Pacific Lutheran University's Economics program score?
This program scores 47/100 — on the lower end for Economics. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
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 Pacific Lutheran University?
Lower starting pay at Pacific Lutheran University 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 Pacific Lutheran University after financial aid?
Sticker price is $203,856, but the average net cost is $85,480 — a 58% 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 →