Economics at Clark University

Worcester, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
45 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
46
Optimistic
45
Base Case
50
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,023/yr (-37% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 4.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #341 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 $946K $900K $744K
Earnings Multiple 4.3x 4.1x 3.4x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 46 45 50

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$220,640
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$110,844
50% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
9.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$85,062
150% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $34,023/yr fall 37% below the $53,966 national median for Economics. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

An earnings multiple of 4.1x means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition, but not by a dramatic margin. Returns are positive but modest.

Some AI exposure exists in Economics's typical career paths, with 56% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 21% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $27,000 represents roughly 10 months of the $34,023 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #341 of 351 Economics programs, Clark University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $85,062 show a 150% jump from the $34,023 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Clark University

With a 42% acceptance rate, Clark University is moderately selective, a compact campus enrolling 2,336 students in Worcester, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $110,844 — 50% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Clark 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

Economics at Other Schools

Other Majors at Clark University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Economics at Clark University?
A score of 45/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Economics. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Economics careers?
With 56% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $743,981 in decade earnings vs $945,947 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Economics from Clark University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →