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Economics at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
80 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
81
Optimistic
80
Base Case
76
Pessimistic
Earnings $68,416/yr (27% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 13.4x earnings multiple (4.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #8 of 351 Economics programs Top 5%

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 $973K $924K $761K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.1x 13.4x 11.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.2x 4.0x 3.3x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 81 80 76

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$68,912
Out-of-state: $232,288 (4.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,328
14% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,750
3.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$108,627
59% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Economics graduates command $68,416/yr out of the gate, well above the $53,966 national median. That 27% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 13.4x 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 22% gap from the optimistic case.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $18,750 in median debt clears quickly against $68,416 in annual earnings.

At #8 of 351 nationally, this is a top-5% Economics program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Five-year earnings of $108,627 show a 59% jump from the $68,416 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Admission to University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is competitive, with 18% of applicants accepted, with 33,488 students enrolled in Ann Arbor, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor →

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)

Compare Economics

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor vs Harvard University →

Other Majors at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Computer and Information Sciences, General ($113,634) Computer Software and Media Applications ($98,117) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($93,674) Computer Engineering ($92,501) Information Science/Studies ($88,515) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($87,606) Industrial Engineering ($86,476) Mechanical Engineering ($82,823)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Economics trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 Michigan-Ann Arbor?
This program scores 80/100 — 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 $760,859 in decade earnings vs $973,473 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's Economics program stand out?
Ranked #8 of 351 programs nationally, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor lands in the top 5%. 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 →