Program Analysis
Starting salaries of $45,189/yr fall 16% below the $53,966 national median for Economics. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.
With a 12.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 12% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Economics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.
At $25,565 against $45,189/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.
A #215 ranking among 351 Economics programs places Radford University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.
A 40% earnings increase from $45,189 to $63,478 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.