Economics at Villanova University

Villanova, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
67 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
68
Optimistic
67
Base Case
63
Pessimistic
Earnings $67,065/yr (24% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 3.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #173 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 $896K $855K $713K
Earnings Multiple 3.5x 3.3x 2.8x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 68 67 63

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$258,804
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$179,504
31% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,497
4.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$100,245
49% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $67,065/yr, edging above the $53,966 national average for Economics — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

An earnings multiple of 3.3x means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition, but not by a dramatic margin. Returns are positive but modest.

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.

At $26,497 in median debt against $67,065 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

At #173 of 351 Economics programs, Villanova University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Earnings grow from $67,065 to $100,245 over five years — a 49% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Villanova University

Villanova University admits 25% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, with a mid-sized student body of 7,005 in Villanova, PA. The average net cost of $179,504 over four years represents a 31% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Villanova University →

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

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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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Economics at Villanova University?
A score of 67/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Economics field.
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 $713,217 in decade earnings vs $895,771 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →