Economics at Bates College

Lewiston, ME · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
69 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
70
Optimistic
69
Base Case
66
Pessimistic
Earnings $71,187/yr (32% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 3.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #126 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 $963K $915K $754K
Earnings Multiple 3.8x 3.6x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 70 69 66

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$253,912
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$122,812
52% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,000
2.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$108,673
53% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $71,187 per year, Economics graduates from Bates College significantly outpace the $53,966 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

At 3.6x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 22% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Economics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $13,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #126 ranking among 351 Economics programs places Bates College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $71,187-to-$108,673 earnings arc over five years reflects a 53% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Bates College

With just 13% of applicants admitted, Bates College ranks among the nation's most selective schools, a compact campus enrolling 1,753 students in Lewiston, ME. The average net cost of $122,812 over four years represents a 52% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Bates 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 Bates College

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 does a 69/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Economics at Bates College?
At 69/100, Bates College's Economics program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Economics at Bates 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.
What do students actually pay for Economics at Bates College?
The 52% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $253,912. At a net cost of $122,812, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →