Economicsat James Madison University
Graduates earn $62,286/yr in their first year — about 15.0% above the national Economics average. Base-case 10-year earnings $837K; scenarios range from $701K to $876K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at James Madison University
First-year earnings of $62,286 at James Madison University come in 15% above the national median of $53,966 for Economics programs.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 15.4x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Economics programs nationally.
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 20% gap from the optimistic case.
With first-year pay of $62,286 far exceeding the $17,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
At #13 of 351 nationally, this is a top-5% Economics program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.
Five-year earnings of $96,390 show a 55% jump from the $62,286 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.
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 James Madison 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 James Madison University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at James Madison University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at James Madison 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 James Madison University
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Economics at James Madison University?
This program scores 79/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Economics nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.
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 $701,057 in decade earnings vs $875,942 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes James Madison University's Economics program stand out?
Ranked #13 of 351 programs nationally, James Madison University lands in the top 5%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.