Economicsat Clemson University
Graduates earn $45,075/yr in their first year — about 16.0% below the national Economics average. Base-case 10-year earnings $643K; scenarios range from $569K to $660K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Clemson University
Starting salaries of $45,075/yr fall 16% below the $53,966 national median for Economics. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 10.3x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Economics programs nationally.
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 14% gap from the optimistic case.
At $20,277 in median debt against $45,075 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.
Ranked #226 of 351 Economics programs, Clemson University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Five-year earnings of $67,777 show a 50% jump from the $45,075 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Clemson University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Economics
How Clemson University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Clemson University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Clemson University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Economics offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Economics trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Economics at Clemson University
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Economics at Clemson University?
This program scores 63/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Economics programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
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 $568,671 in decade earnings vs $660,033 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Economics from Clemson 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.