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Economics at University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
75 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
76
Optimistic
75
Base Case
71
Pessimistic
Earnings $89,097/yr (65% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 4.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #35 of 351 Economics programs Top 10%

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 $1,330K $1,244K $979K
Earnings Multiple 5.0x 4.7x 3.7x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 76 75 71

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$264,416
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$124,916
53% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,621
2.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$152,236
71% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $89,097 per year, Economics graduates from University of Pennsylvania significantly outpace the $53,966 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

At 4.7x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 26% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Economics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $14,621 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #35 of 351 programs, this Economics program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

The $89,097-to-$152,236 earnings arc over five years reflects a 71% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Pennsylvania

With just 6% of applicants admitted, University of Pennsylvania ranks among the nation's most selective schools, serving 10,768 students in Philadelphia, PA. The average net cost of $124,916 over four years represents a 53% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Pennsylvania →

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)

Other Majors at University of Pennsylvania

Computer and Information Sciences, General ($146,204) Statistics ($129,732) Computer Science ($124,678) Finance and Financial Management Services ($122,698) Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods ($104,502) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($93,310) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($91,443) Cognitive Science ($84,314)

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 does a 75/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Economics at University of Pennsylvania?
At 75/100, 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 Pennsylvania?
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.
What do students actually pay for Economics at University of Pennsylvania?
The 53% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $264,416. At a net cost of $124,916, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →