Economics at Stony Brook University

Stony Brook, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
71 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
72
Optimistic
71
Base Case
69
Pessimistic
Earnings $44,349/yr (-18% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 18.1x earnings multiple (6.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #105 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 $798K $767K $653K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 18.9x 18.1x 15.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.6x 6.3x 5.4x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 72 71 69

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$42,240
Out-of-state: $121,400 (6.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$73,720
-75% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
5.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$80,632
82% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $44,349 place Stony Brook University below the $53,966 national median for Economics — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

With a 18.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 18% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Economics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $44,349 far exceeding the $20,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #105 ranking among 351 Economics programs places Stony Brook University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $44,349-to-$80,632 earnings arc over five years reflects a 82% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Stony Brook University

A 49% admission rate makes Stony Brook University accessible to a wide range of qualified students, enrolling 17,420 students in Stony Brook, NY.

See all programs and financial aid at Stony Brook 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

What does a 71/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Economics at Stony Brook University?
At 71/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Should I worry about AI if I study Economics at Stony Brook 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 Stony Brook University a good choice for Economics despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Stony Brook 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 →