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Economics at Indiana University-Indianapolis

Indianapolis, IN · Public · Bachelor's Degree
69 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
70
Optimistic
69
Base Case
66
Pessimistic
Earnings $45,443/yr (-16% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 15.9x earnings multiple (4.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #125 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 $684K $665K $584K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 16.4x 15.9x 14.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.1x 4.9x 4.3x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 70 69 66

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$41,796
Out-of-state: $134,868 (4.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$45,632
-9% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,250
4.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$70,396
55% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Indiana University-Indianapolis's Economics graduates start at $45,443/yr, trailing the $53,966 national average by 16%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

With a 15.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 15% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Economics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $16,250 in median debt clears quickly against $45,443 in annual earnings.

A #125 ranking among 351 Economics programs places Indiana University-Indianapolis in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $45,443-to-$70,396 earnings arc over five years reflects a 55% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Indiana University-Indianapolis

A 81% acceptance rate means Indiana University-Indianapolis is accessible to most applicants, serving 16,582 students in Indianapolis, IN.

See all programs and financial aid at Indiana University-Indianapolis →

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

Compare this program → View all 351 schools offering Economics →

Economics at Other Schools

Harvard University ($103,993) Princeton University ($103,041) Duke University ($98,649) Stanford University ($98,104) Dartmouth College ($94,675) University of Chicago ($92,075) Amherst College ($90,568) Claremont McKenna College ($89,505)

Other Majors at Indiana University-Indianapolis

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($73,122) Computer Engineering ($71,986) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($71,852) Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions ($71,505) Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians ($70,887) Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions ($70,833) Mechanical Engineering ($69,746) Engineering, Other ($69,685)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Economics trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 69/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Economics at Indiana University-Indianapolis?
At 69/100, Indiana University-Indianapolis'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 Indiana University-Indianapolis?
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 Indiana University-Indianapolis a good choice for Economics despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Indiana University-Indianapolis'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 →