Economicsat Boston University
Graduates earn $55,733/yr in their first year — about 3.0% above the national Economics average. Base-case 10-year earnings $794K; scenarios range from $672K to $828K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Boston University
Studying Economics at Boston University places you at the heart of a vibrant intellectual and professional ecosystem. Your degree from a selective institution like BU carries significant weight, leveraging its strong academic reputation and the dynamic Boston job market. The city is a major hub for finance, consulting, tech, and healthcare, all fields that highly value the analytical rigor and quantitative skills an economics background provides. This environment fosters robust recruiting pipelines, connecting graduates with diverse opportunities ranging from data analysis roles to management positions in leading firms.
While the data indicates a heightened AI risk for some tasks within the field, your success will hinge on developing advanced analytical tools, critical thinking, and strong communication abilities that AI cannot replicate. Focus on internships and networking early to solidify your professional trajectory and adapt to evolving industry demands, ensuring you leverage your BU education for long-term career growth.
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 Boston 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 Boston University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Boston University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Boston 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 Boston University
How does Boston University's Economics program score?
A score of 62/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but Boston University trails the majority of Economics programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.
How vulnerable is Economics to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Economics careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 56% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
How affordable is Economics at Boston University after financial aid?
Sticker price is $260,672, but the average net cost is $107,984 — a 59% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.