Economics at California State University-Northridge

Northridge, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
62 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
63
Optimistic
62
Base Case
66
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,628/yr (-34% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 25.8x earnings multiple (9.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #227 of 351 Economics programs

Program Analysis

The outcomes you're seeing for CSUN Economics often reflect its role as a broad, foundational degree within a competitive regional market. Many graduates leverage this background for entry-level roles in business analysis, marketing, or operations across the diverse Los Angeles economy, rather than exclusively pursuing highly specialized economist positions. You'll likely find opportunities with local firms in finance, real estate, or regional government agencies, where your analytical skills are valued. However, these roles frequently demand you build specific professional skills beyond the core curriculum, which is key given the increasing automation of data-centric tasks. To stand out and enhance your career trajectory, actively seek internships that apply economic principles to real-world business problems and consider pursuing a master's degree or specialized certifications to deepen your expertise. This will differentiate you in a crowded market.

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 $759K $732K $630K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 26.8x 25.8x 22.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 10.0x 9.6x 8.3x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 63 62 66

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$28,380
Out-of-state: $75,900 (9.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$30,396
-7% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,500
4.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$72,184
103% growth from Year 1

About California State University-Northridge

California State University-Northridge accepts 93% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, one of the larger campuses at 32,357 students in Northridge, CA. With 56% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Northridge →

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 California State University-Northridge

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

How does California State University-Northridge's Economics program score?
A score of 62/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but California State University-Northridge 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.
Why are Economics earnings lower at California State University-Northridge?
Lower starting pay at California State University-Northridge may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →