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Economics at University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree
70 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
71
Optimistic
70
Base Case
66
Pessimistic
Earnings $51,521/yr (-5% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 11.1x earnings multiple (4.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #112 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 $754K $727K $626K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.5x 11.1x 9.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.5x 4.3x 3.7x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 71 70 66

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$65,720
Out-of-state: $167,772 (4.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$85,920
-31% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,630
3.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$79,838
55% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $51,521 track close to the $53,966 national median for Economics programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 11.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 17% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Economics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $15,630 in median debt against $51,521 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #112 ranking among 351 Economics programs places University of Colorado Boulder in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $51,521-to-$79,838 earnings arc over five years reflects a 55% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Colorado Boulder

University of Colorado Boulder has a 83% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving a student body of 31,578 in Boulder, CO.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Colorado Boulder →

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 University of Colorado Boulder

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($88,957) Computer Engineering ($86,211) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($81,835) Computer Science ($77,385) Civil Engineering ($73,033) Architectural Engineering ($72,567) Biochemical Engineering ($70,668) Chemical Engineering ($70,359)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Economics trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 70/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Economics at University of Colorado Boulder?
At 70/100, 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 University of Colorado Boulder?
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 →