Economics at Fairfield University

Fairfield, CT · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
69 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
70
Optimistic
69
Base Case
65
Pessimistic
Earnings $74,023/yr (37% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 3.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #123 of 351 Economics programs Top 50%

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 $850K $814K $685K
Earnings Multiple 3.8x 3.6x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 70 69 65

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$225,440
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$185,096
18% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,250
3.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$97,565
32% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Fairfield University Economics graduates command $74,023/yr out of the gate, well above the $53,966 national median. That 37% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

An earnings multiple of 3.6x 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 19% gap from the optimistic case.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $23,250 in median debt clears quickly against $74,023 in annual earnings.

At #123 of 351 Economics programs, Fairfield University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Earnings grow from $74,023 to $97,565 over five years — a 32% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Fairfield University

Fairfield University's 45% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, a smaller institution with 4,938 students in Fairfield, CT.

See all programs and financial aid at Fairfield 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 Fairfield University

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

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Economics at Fairfield University?
A score of 69/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Economics field.
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 $685,204 in decade earnings vs $850,086 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →