Economics at University of Missouri-Columbia

Columbia, MO · Public · Bachelor's Degree
70 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
71
Optimistic
70
Base Case
66
Pessimistic
Earnings $52,635/yr (-2% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 11.8x earnings multiple (4.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #116 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 $686K $667K $585K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.1x 11.8x 10.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.0x 4.9x 4.3x
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)
$56,520
Out-of-state: $137,352 (4.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$79,556
-41% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,315
4.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$73,165
39% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Missouri-Columbia's Economics program produces graduates earning $52,635/yr — within striking distance of the $53,966 national average for this field.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 11.8x 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 15% gap from the optimistic case.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $18,315 in median debt clears quickly against $52,635 in annual earnings.

At #116 of 351 Economics programs, University of Missouri-Columbia scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Earnings grow from $52,635 to $73,165 over five years — a 39% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About University of Missouri-Columbia

A 77% acceptance rate means University of Missouri-Columbia is accessible to most applicants, serving a student body of 23,118 in Columbia, MO.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Missouri-Columbia →

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 Missouri-Columbia

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 Missouri-Columbia?
This program scores 70/100 — 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 $584,860 in decade earnings vs $686,436 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →