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Economics at Princeton University

Princeton, NJ · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
62 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
63
Optimistic
62
Base Case
58
Pessimistic
Earnings $103,041/yr (91% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 3.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #233 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 $951K $904K $747K
Earnings Multiple 4.0x 3.8x 3.1x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 63 62 58

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$238,840
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$42,220
82% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$11,250
1.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Graduates of Princeton University's Economics program earn $103,041/yr in their first year — 91% above the $53,966 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

At 3.8x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 21% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Economics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $11,250 in median debt against $103,041 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #233 ranking among 351 Economics programs places Princeton University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Princeton University

Princeton University admits 4% of applicants — among the most selective institutions in the country, serving 5,579 students in Princeton, NJ. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $42,220 — 82% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Princeton 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) 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) University of Pennsylvania ($89,097)

Other Majors at Princeton University

Computer Science ($146,624) Operations Research ($100,354) Mechanical Engineering ($85,328) Public Policy Analysis ($73,630) Political Science and Government ($63,317) Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology ($53,038) Research and Experimental Psychology ($47,050) History ($45,363)

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

What does a 62/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Economics at Princeton University?
At 62/100, the score looks reasonable — but Economics is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Economics at Princeton 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.
What do students actually pay for Economics at Princeton University?
The 82% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $238,840. At a net cost of $42,220, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →