Economicsat Harvard University
Graduates earn $103,993/yr in their first year — about 93.0% above the national Economics average. Base-case 10-year earnings $1,267K; scenarios range from $995K to $1,355K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Harvard University
Harvard's Economics program opens doors through its unparalleled global reputation, attracting top-tier employers across diverse sectors. The intense analytical rigor and world-class faculty prepare graduates for demanding roles, especially within the consulting, finance, and tech industries that cluster around Boston and extend to New York. This strong regional labor market, combined with a powerful alumni network, creates exceptionally robust recruiting pipelines directly into high-impact, high-compensation positions.
While many quantitative and data-driven roles within economics face significant AI risk, the program's emphasis on advanced critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and complex problem-solving equips you for the strategic, human-centric challenges AI cannot yet replicate. To truly thrive, focus on developing your communication and interdisciplinary skills, translating sophisticated economic insights into actionable strategies and leadership within your chosen field.
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 Harvard 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 Harvard University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Harvard University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Harvard 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 Harvard University
How does Harvard University's Economics program score?
A score of 77/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. Harvard University's Economics graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
How vulnerable is Economics to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Economics careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 56% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why does Harvard University rank so high for Economics?
The #18 ranking out of 351 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
How affordable is Economics at Harvard University after financial aid?
Sticker price is $236,304, but the average net cost is $67,264 — a 72% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.