Economics at Hamilton College

Clinton, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
69 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
70
Optimistic
69
Base Case
65
Pessimistic
Earnings $71,350/yr (32% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 3.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #127 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 $959K $911K $752K
Earnings Multiple 3.6x 3.5x 2.9x
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)
$262,960
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$113,256
57% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,500
2.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$108,312
52% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Hamilton College Economics graduates command $71,350/yr out of the gate, well above the $53,966 national median. That 32% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

An earnings multiple of 3.5x 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 22% gap from the optimistic case.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $17,500 in median debt clears quickly against $71,350 in annual earnings.

At #127 of 351 Economics programs, Hamilton College scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $108,312 show a 52% jump from the $71,350 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Hamilton College

Only 12% of applicants gain admission to Hamilton College, reflecting elite selectivity, a smaller institution with 2,045 students in Clinton, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $113,256 over four years — 57% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Hamilton College →

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

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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 Hamilton College?
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 $751,773 in decade earnings vs $958,654 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Is Hamilton College a hidden gem for Economics?
After financial aid, the average student pays $113,256 over four years — 57% below the $262,960 sticker price. That gap makes the ROI significantly better than published tuition suggests.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →