Economicsat Appalachian State University
Graduates earn $33,742/yr in their first year — about 37.0% below the national Economics average. Base-case 10-year earnings $681K; scenarios range from $594K to $702K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Appalachian State University
An Appalachian State Economics degree provides a strong analytical foundation, but your career trajectory will heavily depend on your proactive engagement. The regional labor market in Western North Carolina, while robust for local opportunities, doesn't feature the same density of high-finance or major corporate headquarters that often drive the national average for economics salaries. Your peers might initially find roles in regional banking, local government, or business management, leveraging their analytical skills broadly.
To access the higher-paying economist or data scientist positions detailed here, you'll need to cultivate specific quantitative skills beyond the core curriculum and actively seek internships in larger metropolitan areas. Consider advanced econometrics or data science electives and prepare to cast a wider net for your first post-graduation role, potentially relocating to a major economic hub or pursuing graduate studies to specialize.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Appalachian State University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Economics
How Appalachian State University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Appalachian State University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Appalachian State University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Economics offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Economics trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Economics at Appalachian State University
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Economics at Appalachian State University?
This program scores 57/100 — 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 $594,345 in decade earnings vs $701,907 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Economics from Appalachian 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.