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Economics at Seattle Pacific University

Seattle, WA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
45 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
46
Optimistic
45
Base Case
45
Pessimistic
Earnings $41,502/yr (-23% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 3.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #343 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 $481K $483K $459K
Earnings Multiple 3.1x 3.1x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 46 45 45

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$155,256
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$99,280
36% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,989
7.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$64,078
54% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $41,502 place Seattle Pacific University below the $53,966 national median for Economics — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

The 3.1x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 56% task exposure — and the 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $25,989 debt-to-$41,502 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #343 out of 351 programs, Seattle Pacific University's financial outcomes for Economics trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Seattle Pacific University

Seattle Pacific University accepts 91% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a compact campus enrolling 2,073 students in Seattle, WA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $99,280 — 36% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Seattle Pacific 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 Seattle Pacific University

Computer Science ($82,557) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($81,671) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($81,199) Engineering, General ($71,770) Mechanical Engineering ($71,039) Business/Commerce, General ($56,283) Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations ($44,823) Psychology, General ($40,264)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Economics trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Seattle Pacific University's Economics program score?
This program scores 45/100 — 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 Seattle Pacific University?
Lower starting pay at Seattle Pacific University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →