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

Program Analysis

Clark's Economics program provides a strong liberal arts foundation, but its career outcomes reflect the specific regional labor market in Worcester, which isn't a primary hub for high-finance or tech. Many graduates may initially find opportunities in local businesses, non-profits, or government, where starting salaries don't always match those in major competitive urban centers. The program's strength lies in critical thinking, which is invaluable, but often requires you to actively build specialized technical skills like advanced data analysis or programming. The "Very High" AI risk in this field is also a crucial factor. Many traditional analyst or data-heavy roles for economics graduates are increasingly augmented or even automated. To thrive, you'll need to strategically combine your economic knowledge with highly demanded technical proficiencies and seek out roles where human insight and complex problem-solving remain paramount. Focus on internships in growth sectors.

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

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 →