Economics at Austin College

Sherman, TX · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
40 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
41
Optimistic
40
Base Case
45
Pessimistic
Earnings $33,957/yr (-37% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 3.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #346 of 351 Economics programs

Program Analysis

Austin College's economics program, situated in Sherman, TX, often sees graduates entering a regional job market that differs significantly from major metropolitan hubs. While you'll gain strong critical thinking and analytical skills from a rigorous liberal arts education, the immediate employment landscape for economics majors in a smaller city may lean towards more general business, local government, or non-profit roles rather than the high-finance or consulting pipelines found in larger cities. Many of the higher-earning career paths for economics graduates, like becoming an economist or data scientist, typically require advanced degrees or specialized certifications beyond a bachelor's. The program's reputation for fostering intellectual depth means you'll be well-prepared for graduate school. To bridge any initial earnings gap and mitigate the noted AI risk in a generalist field, actively seek out internships in larger markets like Dallas or Fort Worth, and consider developing strong quantitative or programming skills alongside your core economics coursework to make yourself more competitive for specialized roles upon graduation.

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 $721K $698K $606K
Earnings Multiple 3.9x 3.8x 3.3x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 41 40 45

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$186,000
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$93,804
50% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$67,932
100% growth from Year 1

About Austin College

Austin College accepts 47% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, a compact campus enrolling 1,125 students in Sherman, TX. The average net cost of $93,804 over four years represents a 50% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Austin 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

Economics at Other Schools

Other Majors at Austin College

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 40/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Economics at Austin College?
At 40/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Economics programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Economics at Austin 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.
Is Austin College a good choice for Economics despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Austin College'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 →