Economics at Claremont McKenna College

Claremont, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
75 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
76
Optimistic
75
Base Case
71
Pessimistic
Earnings $89,505/yr (66% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 4.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #29 of 351 Economics programs Top 10%

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 $1,322K $1,238K $975K
Earnings Multiple 5.2x 4.8x 3.8x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 76 75 71

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$256,600
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$109,536
57% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,000
1.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$151,744
70% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $89,505 per year, Economics graduates from Claremont McKenna College significantly outpace the $53,966 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

The 4.8x 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 26% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The median debt load of $12,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #29 ranking out of 351 Economics programs nationally puts Claremont McKenna College in the top 10% — a strong but not elite position.

Earnings growth from $89,505 to $151,744 over five years (70% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Claremont McKenna College

With just 11% of applicants admitted, Claremont McKenna College ranks among the nation's most selective schools, a compact campus enrolling 1,379 students in Claremont, CA. After financial aid, the average student pays $109,536 over four years — 57% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Claremont McKenna 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 Claremont McKenna 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

How does Claremont McKenna College's Economics program score?
A score of 75/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. Claremont McKenna College's Economics graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
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 Claremont McKenna College after financial aid?
Sticker price is $256,600, but the average net cost is $109,536 — a 57% 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 →