Economics at University of Washington-Seattle Campus

Seattle, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
77 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
78
Optimistic
77
Base Case
73
Pessimistic
Earnings $53,934/yr (-0% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 16.5x earnings multiple (5.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #19 of 351 Economics programs Top 5%

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 $873K $834K $699K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 17.3x 16.5x 13.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.2x 5.0x 4.2x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 78 77 73

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$50,572
Out-of-state: $167,988 (5.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$53,940
-7% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,488
3.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$92,399
71% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $53,934/yr, roughly in line with the $53,966 national median for Economics. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 16.5x 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 20% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $53,934 far exceeding the $14,488 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #19 of 351 nationally, this is a top-5% Economics program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Five-year earnings of $92,399 show a 71% jump from the $53,934 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of Washington-Seattle Campus

A 43% admission rate makes University of Washington-Seattle Campus accessible to a wide range of qualified students, serving a student body of 31,588 in Seattle, WA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Washington-Seattle Campus →

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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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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Economics at University of Washington-Seattle Campus?
This program scores 77/100 — 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 $699,040 in decade earnings vs $872,653 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes University of Washington-Seattle Campus's Economics program stand out?
Ranked #19 of 351 programs nationally, University of Washington-Seattle Campus lands in the top 5%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →