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Economics at The University of Texas at Dallas

Richardson, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree
67 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
68
Optimistic
67
Base Case
63
Pessimistic
Earnings $47,034/yr (-13% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 11.4x earnings multiple (4.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #175 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 $686K $666K $585K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.8x 11.4x 10.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.3x 4.2x 3.6x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 68 67 63

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$58,256
Out-of-state: $160,256 (4.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$69,740
-20% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,000
4.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$71,197
51% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $47,034/yr, roughly in line with the $53,966 national median for Economics. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 11.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 15% 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 $47,034 far exceeding the $19,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #175 ranking among 351 Economics programs places The University of Texas at Dallas in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $47,034-to-$71,197 earnings arc over five years reflects a 51% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About The University of Texas at Dallas

A 65% admission rate makes The University of Texas at Dallas accessible to a wide range of qualified students, one of the larger campuses at 21,317 students in Richardson, TX.

See all programs and financial aid at The University of Texas at Dallas →

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

Compare this program → View all 351 schools offering Economics →

Economics at Other Schools

Harvard University ($103,993) Princeton University ($103,041) Duke University ($98,649) Stanford University ($98,104) Dartmouth College ($94,675) University of Chicago ($92,075) Amherst College ($90,568) Claremont McKenna College ($89,505)

Other Majors at The University of Texas at Dallas

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($77,928) Computer Engineering ($77,609) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($72,472) Finance and Financial Management Services ($63,455) Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods ($61,303) Mechanical Engineering ($61,113) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($58,916) Mathematics ($58,238)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Economics trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 67/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Economics at The University of Texas at Dallas?
At 67/100, The University of Texas at Dallas'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 The University of Texas at Dallas?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →