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Economics at University of Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $92,075/yr (71% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)

ROI 4.8x earnings multiple

Ranked #31 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	$1,367K	$1,278K	$1,002K
Earnings Multiple	5.1x	4.8x	3.7x
Probability of Field Employment	66%	60%	41%
DegreeOutlook Score	77	75	71

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$267,756

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$75,868

72% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$13,395

1.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$157,181

71% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates of University of Chicago's Economics program earn $92,075/yr in their first year — 71% above the $53,966 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

An earnings multiple of 4.8x means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition, but not by a dramatic margin. Returns are positive but modest.

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 27% gap from the optimistic case.

At $13,395 in median debt against $92,075 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

Ranked #31 of 351 programs, University of Chicago's Economics program falls in the top 10%, outperforming most peers on financial outcomes.

Five-year earnings of $157,181 show a 71% jump from the $92,075 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of Chicago

University of Chicago admits 5% of applicants — among the most selective institutions in the country, serving 7,540 students in Chicago, IL. The average net cost of $75,868 over four years represents a 72% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Chicago →

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

Other Majors at University of Chicago

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Economics at University of Chicago?

This program scores 75/100 — 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 $1,002,249 in decade earnings vs $1,367,155 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Is University of Chicago a hidden gem for Economics?

After financial aid, the average student pays $75,868 over four years — 72% below the $267,756 sticker price. That gap makes the ROI significantly better than published tuition suggests.

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