Economics at Towson University

Towson, MD · Public · Bachelor's Degree
72 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
73
Optimistic
72
Base Case
68
Pessimistic
Earnings $50,910/yr (-6% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 14.6x earnings multiple (5.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #80 of 351 Economics programs Top 25%

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 $680K $661K $581K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.0x 14.6x 12.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.0x 5.8x 5.1x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 73 72 68

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$45,224
Out-of-state: $113,304 (5.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$67,164
-49% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,698
3.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$71,874
41% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $50,910 track close to the $53,966 national median for Economics programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 14.6x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Economics programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Economics's typical career paths, with 56% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 15% gap from the optimistic case.

At $15,698 in median debt against $50,910 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

At #80 of 351 nationally, this is a top-5% Economics program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Earnings grow from $50,910 to $71,874 over five years — a 41% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Towson University

Towson University has a 83% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 16,400 students in Towson, MD.

See all programs and financial aid at Towson 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

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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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Economics at Towson University?
This program scores 72/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Economics nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.
Will AI replace Economics careers?
With 56% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $580,668 in decade earnings vs $679,600 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes Towson University's Economics program stand out?
Ranked #80 of 351 programs nationally, Towson University lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →