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Economics at Vassar College

Poughkeepsie, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
69 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
70
Optimistic
69
Base Case
65
Pessimistic
Earnings $79,845/yr (48% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 3.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #130 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 $885K $845K $706K
Earnings Multiple 3.3x 3.1x 2.6x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 70 69 65

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$271,220
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$152,728
44% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,000
2.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$103,043
29% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $79,845 put Vassar College's Economics program 48% above the national median of $53,966 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

At 3.1x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

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 $79,845 far exceeding the $19,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #130 ranking among 351 Economics programs places Vassar College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 29% earnings increase from $79,845 to $103,043 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Vassar College

Vassar College accepts 18% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, a smaller institution with 2,430 students in Poughkeepsie, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $152,728 over four years — 44% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Vassar College →

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 Vassar College

Computer and Information Sciences, General ($80,037) Mathematics ($52,085) Political Science and Government ($48,679) Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology ($45,599) Neurobiology and Neurosciences ($41,752) Urban Studies/Affairs ($39,410) History ($38,461) Biology, General ($37,802)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Economics trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 69/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Economics at Vassar College?
At 69/100, Vassar College's Economics program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Economics at Vassar College?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →