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Business/Managerial Economics at South Dakota State University

Brookings, SD · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $45,123/yr (-15% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (105,700 openings/yr)

ROI 13.6x earnings multiple (9.9x out-of-state)

Ranked #67 of 81 Business/Managerial Economics programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Business/Managerial Economics graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$509K	$507K	$477K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	13.7x	13.6x	12.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	9.9x	9.9x	9.3x
Probability of Field Employment	66%	58%	42%
DegreeOutlook Score	52	50	49

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$37,196

Out-of-state: $51,236 (9.9x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$72,876

-96% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,500

5.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $45,123 per year, Business/Managerial Economics graduates from South Dakota State University earn below the $53,330 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 13.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 6% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Business/Managerial Economics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $20,500 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #67 ranking among 81 Business/Managerial Economics programs places South Dakota State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About South Dakota State University

With 99% of applicants admitted, South Dakota State University prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 8,798 in Brookings, SD.

See all programs and financial aid at South Dakota State University →

Top Career Paths

Economics teachers, postsecondary $119,980/yr

Economists $115,440/yr

Financial risk specialists $106,000/yr

View all 5 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Business/Managerial Economics at Other Schools

Other Majors at South Dakota State University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 50/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Business/Managerial Economics at South Dakota State University?

At 50/100, the score looks reasonable — but Business/Managerial 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 Business/Managerial Economics at South Dakota State University?

The 53% 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.

Is South Dakota State University a good choice for Business/Managerial Economics despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If South Dakota State University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →