Economics at Stanford University

Stanford, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
76 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
77
Optimistic
76
Base Case
72
Pessimistic
Earnings $98,104/yr (82% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 4.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #28 of 351 Economics programs Top 10%

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 $1,254K $1,176K $933K
Earnings Multiple 5.0x 4.7x 3.7x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 77 76 72

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$249,936
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$48,544
81% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,500
1.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$148,692
52% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $98,104 put Stanford University's Economics program 82% above the national median of $53,966 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

The 4.7x 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 26% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

With first-year pay of $98,104 far exceeding the $12,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #28 ranking out of 351 Economics programs nationally puts Stanford University in the top 10% — a strong but not elite position.

Earnings growth from $98,104 to $148,692 over five years (52% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Stanford University

Stanford University's 4% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, serving 7,841 students in Stanford, CA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $48,544 — 81% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Stanford 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

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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

How does Stanford University's Economics program score?
A score of 76/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. Stanford University's Economics graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
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.
How affordable is Economics at Stanford University after financial aid?
Sticker price is $249,936, but the average net cost is $48,544 — a 81% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →