Economics at University of Georgia

Athens, GA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
74 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
75
Optimistic
74
Base Case
70
Pessimistic
Earnings $49,725/yr (-8% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 16.5x earnings multiple (6.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #42 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 $765K $737K $633K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 17.1x 16.5x 14.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.3x 6.1x 5.2x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 75 74 70

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$44,720
Out-of-state: $120,880 (6.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$55,264
-24% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,250
3.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$80,203
61% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $49,725/yr, roughly in line with the $53,966 national median for Economics. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 16.5x 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 17% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $49,725 far exceeding the $15,250 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #42 of 351 nationally, this is a top-5% Economics program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Five-year earnings of $80,203 show a 61% jump from the $49,725 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of Georgia

University of Georgia accepts 37% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, with 31,310 students enrolled in Athens, GA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Georgia →

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 Georgia

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Economics at University of Georgia?
This program scores 74/100 — 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 $633,227 in decade earnings vs $765,316 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes University of Georgia's Economics program stand out?
Ranked #42 of 351 programs nationally, University of Georgia 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 →