Economics at University of Michigan-Dearborn

Dearborn, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
71 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
72
Optimistic
71
Base Case
67
Pessimistic
Earnings $49,665/yr (-8% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 12.6x earnings multiple (6.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #102 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 $785K $756K $646K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.1x 12.6x 10.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.3x 6.0x 5.1x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 72 71 67

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$59,776
Out-of-state: $125,440 (6.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$43,616
27% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,287
6.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$82,126
65% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $49,665/yr, Economics graduates from University of Michigan-Dearborn land near the $53,966 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 12.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 18% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Economics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $27,287 against $49,665/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #102 ranking among 351 Economics programs places University of Michigan-Dearborn in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $49,665-to-$82,126 earnings arc over five years reflects a 65% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Michigan-Dearborn

University of Michigan-Dearborn accepts 59% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with a mid-sized student body of 5,882 in Dearborn, MI. Pell Grant recipients make up 44% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

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

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 Michigan-Dearborn

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 does a 71/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Economics at University of Michigan-Dearborn?
At 71/100, 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 Michigan-Dearborn?
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 →