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Economics at Carleton College

Northfield, MN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $66,567/yr (23% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)

ROI 3.5x earnings multiple

Ranked #146 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	$975K	$926K	$762K
Earnings Multiple	3.7x	3.5x	2.9x
Probability of Field Employment	66%	60%	41%
DegreeOutlook Score	69	68	64

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$261,828

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$109,280

58% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$19,500

3.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$107,997

62% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $66,567/yr, edging above the $53,966 national average for Economics — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

The 3.5x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 56% task exposure — and the 22% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

At $19,500 in median debt against $66,567 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

Ranked #146 out of 351 programs, Carleton College's Economics offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth from $66,567 to $107,997 over five years (62% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Carleton College

Carleton College admits 22% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, a compact campus enrolling 2,019 students in Northfield, MN. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $109,280 — 58% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Carleton 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 Carleton 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

How does Carleton College's Economics program score?

This program scores 68/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Economics graduates.

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 Carleton College after financial aid?

Sticker price is $261,828, but the average net cost is $109,280 — a 58% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →