Home › Kalamazoo College › Economics

Economics at Kalamazoo College

Kalamazoo, MI · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
45 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
46
Optimistic
45
Base Case
44
Pessimistic
Earnings $42,508/yr (-21% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 2.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #342 of 351 Economics programs

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 $489K $489K $464K
Earnings Multiple 2.1x 2.1x 2.0x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 46 45 44

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$235,056
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$75,492
68% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
7.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Kalamazoo College's Economics graduates start at $42,508/yr, trailing the $53,966 national average by 21%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

An earnings multiple of 2.1x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 56% task exposure — and the 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $27,000 debt-to-$42,508 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #342 out of 351 programs, Kalamazoo College's financial outcomes for Economics trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Kalamazoo College

A 76% acceptance rate means Kalamazoo College is accessible to most applicants, a compact campus enrolling 1,175 students in Kalamazoo, MI. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $75,492 — 68% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Kalamazoo 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

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 Kalamazoo College

Computer and Information Sciences, General ($72,008) Business/Commerce, General ($47,481) Chemistry ($39,940) Political Science and Government ($30,494) Social Sciences, Other ($28,442) Psychology, General ($26,952) English Language and Literature, General ($24,329) Biology, General ($24,211)

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

How does Kalamazoo College's Economics program score?
This program scores 45/100 — on the lower end for Economics. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
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 are Economics earnings lower at Kalamazoo College?
Lower starting pay at Kalamazoo College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
How affordable is Economics at Kalamazoo College after financial aid?
Sticker price is $235,056, but the average net cost is $75,492 — a 68% 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 →