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Economics at Brandeis University

Waltham, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
65 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
66
Optimistic
65
Base Case
61
Pessimistic
Earnings $57,299/yr (6% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 3.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #188 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 $941K $895K $741K
Earnings Multiple 3.6x 3.4x 2.9x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 66 65 61

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$259,784
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$135,540
48% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,295
5.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$100,387
75% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $57,299 at Brandeis University come in 6% above the national median of $53,966 for Economics programs.

At 3.4x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 21% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Economics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $57,299 far exceeding the $25,295 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #188 ranking among 351 Economics programs places Brandeis University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $57,299-to-$100,387 earnings arc over five years reflects a 75% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Brandeis University

Brandeis University accepts 35% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, with a smaller student body of 3,663 in Waltham, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $135,540 — 48% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Brandeis University →

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 Brandeis University

Computer Science ($80,431) Business/Commerce, General ($55,806) Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology ($47,410) Chemistry ($46,641) Sociology ($45,287) Political Science and Government ($43,770) Area Studies ($43,748) Public Policy Analysis ($39,943)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Economics trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 65/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Economics at Brandeis University?
At 65/100, 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 Brandeis University?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →