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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 $44,663/yr (-17% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)

ROI 16.6x earnings multiple (12.1x out-of-state)

Ranked #155 of 351 Economics programs Top 50%

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	$633K	$619K	$552K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	17.0x	16.6x	14.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	12.4x	12.1x	10.8x
Probability of Field Employment	66%	60%	41%
DegreeOutlook Score	69	68	65

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 (12.1x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$72,876

-96% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$25,000

6.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$64,860

45% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

South Dakota State University's Economics graduates start at $44,663/yr, trailing the $53,966 national average by 17%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

With a 16.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 13% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Economics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $25,000 against $44,663/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #155 ranking among 351 Economics programs places South Dakota State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 45% earnings increase from $44,663 to $64,860 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About South Dakota State University

A 99% acceptance rate means South Dakota State University is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 8,798 students in Brookings, SD.

See all programs and financial aid at South Dakota 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

Other Majors at South Dakota 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 does a 68/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Economics at South Dakota State University?

At 68/100, South Dakota State University's Economics program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Should I worry about AI if I study Economics at South Dakota State 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.

Is South Dakota State University a good choice for 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 →