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Economics at University of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, IA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $49,314/yr (-9% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)

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

ROI 18.0x earnings multiple (8.2x out-of-state)

Ranked #44 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	$725K	$702K	$609K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	18.6x	18.0x	15.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	8.5x	8.2x	7.2x
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)

$38,912

Out-of-state: $85,088 (8.2x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$58,436

-50% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$17,169

4.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$76,060

54% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $49,314/yr, roughly in line with the $53,966 national median for Economics. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 18.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 16% 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 $49,314 far exceeding the $17,169 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

University of Northern Iowa ranks #44 among 351 Economics programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $49,314-to-$76,060 earnings arc over five years reflects a 54% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Northern Iowa

University of Northern Iowa accepts 94% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 7,599 students in Cedar Falls, IA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Northern Iowa →

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 Northern Iowa

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 74/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Economics at University of Northern Iowa?

At 74/100, 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 Northern Iowa?

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 Northern Iowa one of the best schools for Economics?

Among 351 Economics programs, University of Northern Iowa's #44 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 →