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Economics at William Paterson University of New Jersey

Wayne, NJ · Public · Bachelor's Degree
60 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
61
Optimistic
60
Base Case
59
Pessimistic
Earnings $43,148/yr (-20% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 10.2x earnings multiple (6.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #264 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 $634K $620K $553K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.5x 10.2x 9.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.5x 6.3x 5.7x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 61 60 59

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$60,600
Out-of-state: $97,856 (6.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$71,056
-17% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,500
6.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$64,426
49% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $43,148/yr fall 20% below the $53,966 national median for Economics. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 10.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 13% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Economics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $22,500 against $43,148/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #264 ranking among 351 Economics programs places William Paterson University of New Jersey in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 49% earnings increase from $43,148 to $64,426 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About William Paterson University of New Jersey

William Paterson University of New Jersey has a 93% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, enrolling 6,526 students in Wayne, NJ. 44% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at William Paterson University of New Jersey →

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 William Paterson University of New Jersey

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($92,257) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($58,854) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($54,093) Finance and Financial Management Services ($49,895) Accounting and Related Services ($45,589) Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods ($44,322) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($42,552) Biology, General ($42,492)

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 60/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Economics at William Paterson University of New Jersey?
At 60/100, the score looks reasonable — but Economics is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Economics at William Paterson University of New Jersey?
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.
Is William Paterson University of New Jersey a good choice for Economics despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If William Paterson University of New Jersey's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →