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Business Economics at University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Business/Managerial Economics

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $83,604/yr (57% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (105,700 openings/yr)

ROI 17.2x earnings multiple (5.3x out-of-state)

Ranked #2 of 81 Business/Managerial Economics programs Top 5%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Business Economics graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$1,010K	$944K	$794K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	18.4x	17.2x	14.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.7x	5.3x	4.5x
Probability of Field Employment	66%	58%	42%
DegreeOutlook Score	79	77	74

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$54,988

Out-of-state: $178,096 (5.3x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$56,052

-2% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$17,332

2.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$118,000

41% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $83,604 put University of California-Los Angeles's Business Economics program 57% above the national median of $53,330 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

With a 17.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 21% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Business Economics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $83,604 far exceeding the $17,332 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

University of California-Los Angeles ranks #2 among 81 Business Economics programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 41% earnings increase from $83,604 to $118,000 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of California-Los Angeles

University of California-Los Angeles's 9% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, with 33,040 students enrolled in Los Angeles, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Los Angeles →

Top Career Paths

Economics teachers, postsecondary $119,980/yr

Economists $115,440/yr

Financial risk specialists $106,000/yr

View all 5 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Business Economics at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of California-Los Angeles

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 77/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Business Economics at University of California-Los Angeles?

At 77/100, 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 Business Economics at University of California-Los Angeles?

The 53% 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 University of California-Los Angeles one of the best schools for Business Economics?

Among 81 Business Economics programs, University of California-Los Angeles's #2 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →