Economics at Sonoma State University

Rohnert Park, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
80 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
81
Optimistic
80
Base Case
76
Pessimistic
Earnings $53,825/yr (-0% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 27.9x earnings multiple (11.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #7 of 351 Economics programs Top 5%

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 $964K $916K $755K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 29.4x 27.9x 23.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 12.0x 11.4x 9.4x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 81 80 76

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$32,760
Out-of-state: $80,280 (11.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$55,204
-69% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,000
4.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$100,594
87% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $53,825 track close to the $53,966 national median for Economics programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 27.9x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Economics programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Economics's typical career paths, with 56% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 22% gap from the optimistic case.

At $19,000 in median debt against $53,825 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

At #7 of 351 nationally, this is a top-5% Economics program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Five-year earnings of $100,594 show a 87% jump from the $53,825 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Sonoma State University

Sonoma State University has a 95% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 5,374 students in Rohnert Park, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at Sonoma State 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

Compare Economics

Other Majors at Sonoma State University

Explore the Trade Alternative

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

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Economics at Sonoma State University?
This program scores 80/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Economics nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.
Will AI replace Economics careers?
With 56% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $754,888 in decade earnings vs $963,733 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes Sonoma State University's Economics program stand out?
Ranked #7 of 351 programs nationally, Sonoma State University lands in the top 5%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →