Economics at Westfield State University

Westfield, MA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
63 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
64
Optimistic
63
Base Case
62
Pessimistic
Earnings $41,085/yr (-24% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 13.7x earnings multiple (9.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #220 of 351 Economics programs

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 $670K $651K $575K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.1x 13.7x 12.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 9.3x 9.1x 8.0x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 64 63 62

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$47,528
Out-of-state: $71,848 (9.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$74,244
-56% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,000
5.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$67,101
63% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $41,085 place Westfield State University below the $53,966 national median for Economics — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 13.7x 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 14% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $41,085 far exceeding the $20,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #220 of 351 Economics programs, Westfield State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $67,101 show a 63% jump from the $41,085 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Westfield State University

Westfield State University accepts 81% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a smaller institution with 3,481 students in Westfield, MA.

See all programs and financial aid at Westfield State 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

Other Majors at Westfield State University

Explore the Trade Alternative

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 Westfield State University?
This program scores 63/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Economics programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
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 $574,513 in decade earnings vs $669,558 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Economics from Westfield State University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →