Economics at Northeastern University

Boston, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
67 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
68
Optimistic
67
Base Case
64
Pessimistic
Earnings $70,531/yr (31% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 3.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #167 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 $866K $828K $695K
Earnings Multiple 3.4x 3.3x 2.8x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 68 67 64

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$252,564
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$128,464
49% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,250
4.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$98,280
39% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $70,531 put Northeastern University's Economics program 31% above the national median of $53,966 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

At 3.3x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 20% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Economics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $70,531 far exceeding the $23,250 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #167 ranking among 351 Economics programs places Northeastern University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 39% earnings increase from $70,531 to $98,280 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Northeastern University

Northeastern University's 6% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, serving 15,719 students in Boston, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $128,464 — 49% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Northeastern 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 Northeastern University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 67/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Economics at Northeastern University?
At 67/100, Northeastern University'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 Northeastern University?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →