Economics at Eastern Michigan University

Ypsilanti, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
36 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
37
Optimistic
36
Base Case
42
Pessimistic
Earnings $30,569/yr (-43% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 6.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #350 of 351 Economics programs

Program Analysis

While an economics degree generally equips you with versatile analytical skills, the outcomes here suggest a significant challenge in translating that into strong early career success. For Eastern Michigan University, the local Ypsilanti/Detroit labor market, while diverse, may not have robust, direct pipelines specifically for its economics graduates into high-paying corporate or analytical roles. Many entry-level positions requiring general analytical abilities are increasingly competitive and, as the AI risk indicates, susceptible to automation. This means the program might not be consistently equipping students with the highly specialized quantitative or technical skills (like advanced statistical modeling or specific data tools) that employers increasingly seek for roles in finance, data analysis, or economic consulting. If you're considering this path, you'll need to proactively build a distinct skill set through internships, certifications, and project work, targeting in-demand areas to differentiate yourself in a crowded market.

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 $398K $408K $408K
Earnings Multiple 6.4x 6.6x 6.6x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 37 36 42

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$62,040
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$68,336
-10% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,205
7.5 months of Year 1 earnings

About Eastern Michigan University

With 81% of applicants admitted, Eastern Michigan University prioritizes broad access, enrolling 10,751 students in Ypsilanti, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Eastern Michigan 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 Eastern Michigan University

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

What does a 36/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Economics at Eastern Michigan University?
At 36/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Economics programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Economics at Eastern Michigan University?
The 56% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Eastern Michigan University a good choice for Economics despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Eastern Michigan University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →