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Economics at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $65,344/yr (21% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)

ROI 23.1x earnings multiple (5.3x out-of-state)

Ranked #2 of 351 Economics programs Top 1%

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	$868K	$830K	$696K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	24.2x	23.1x	19.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.5x	5.3x	4.4x
Probability of Field Employment	66%	60%	41%
DegreeOutlook Score	83	82	78

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$35,956

Out-of-state: $157,320 (5.3x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$51,932

-44% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$14,135

2.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$96,785

48% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $65,344 at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill come in 21% above the national median of $53,966 for Economics programs.

With a 23.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 20% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Economics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $65,344 far exceeding the $14,135 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Among 351 Economics programs nationally, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ranks #2 — elite territory by any measure of graduate financial outcomes.

A 48% earnings increase from $65,344 to $96,785 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill accepts 19% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, serving a student body of 20,556 in Chapel Hill, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill →

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

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Explore the Trade Alternative

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 does a 82/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Economics at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?

At 82/100, 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 North Carolina at Chapel Hill?

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.

Is University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill one of the best schools for Economics?

Among 351 Economics programs, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's #2 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →