Economics at George Washington University

Washington, DC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
68 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
69
Optimistic
68
Base Case
64
Pessimistic
Earnings $67,684/yr (25% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 3.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #145 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 $935K $890K $737K
Earnings Multiple 3.6x 3.4x 2.8x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 69 68 64

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$259,960
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$149,816
42% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
3.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$104,484
54% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates of George Washington University's Economics program earn $67,684/yr in their first year — 25% above the $53,966 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

At 3.4x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 21% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Economics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $20,500 in median debt against $67,684 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #145 ranking among 351 Economics programs places George Washington University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $67,684-to-$104,484 earnings arc over five years reflects a 54% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About George Washington University

With a 44% acceptance rate, George Washington University is moderately selective, serving 10,848 students in Washington, DC. After financial aid, the average student pays $149,816 over four years — 42% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at George Washington 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 George Washington 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 does a 68/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Economics at George Washington University?
At 68/100, George Washington University's Economics program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Economics at George Washington 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →