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Economics at Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $78,181/yr (45% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)

ROI 4.9x earnings multiple

Ranked #63 of 351 Economics programs Top 25%

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	$1,318K	$1,233K	$972K
Earnings Multiple	5.2x	4.9x	3.8x
Probability of Field Employment	66%	60%	41%
DegreeOutlook Score	75	73	70

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$253,360

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$72,644

71% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$12,250

1.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$145,452

86% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $78,181 per year, Economics graduates from Johns Hopkins University significantly outpace the $53,966 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

The 4.9x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 56% task exposure — and the 26% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The median debt load of $12,250 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Ranked #63 out of 351 programs, Johns Hopkins University's Economics program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

Earnings growth from $78,181 to $145,452 over five years (86% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Johns Hopkins University

With just 8% of applicants admitted, Johns Hopkins University ranks among the nation's most selective schools, enrolling 5,617 students in Baltimore, MD. The average net cost of $72,644 over four years represents a 71% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Johns Hopkins 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 Johns Hopkins University

Consider the Trade Route?

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

How does Johns Hopkins University's Economics program score?

A score of 73/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. Johns Hopkins 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 Johns Hopkins University rank so high for Economics?

The #63 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 Johns Hopkins University after financial aid?

Sticker price is $253,360, but the average net cost is $72,644 — a 71% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →