Program Analysis
Graduates earn $53,529/yr, roughly in line with the $53,966 national median for Economics. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
An earnings multiple of 3.1x means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition, but not by a dramatic margin. Returns are positive but modest.
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 15% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $27,000 represents roughly 6 months of the $53,529 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
Ranked #280 of 351 Economics programs, Lake Forest College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Earnings grow from $53,529 to $73,747 over five years — a 38% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.