Economicsat Pacific Lutheran University
Graduates earn $43,806/yr in their first year — about 19.0% below the national Economics average. Base-case 10-year earnings $498K; scenarios range from $470K to $499K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Pacific Lutheran University
Starting salaries of $43,806/yr fall 19% below the $53,966 national median for Economics. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.
An earnings multiple of 2.4x 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 6% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
At #339 out of 351 programs, Pacific Lutheran University's financial outcomes for Economics trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
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 Pacific Lutheran 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 Pacific Lutheran University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Pacific Lutheran University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Pacific Lutheran 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 Pacific Lutheran University
How does Pacific Lutheran University's Economics program score?
This program scores 47/100 — 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 Pacific Lutheran University?
Lower starting pay at Pacific Lutheran University 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 Pacific Lutheran University after financial aid?
Sticker price is $203,856, but the average net cost is $85,480 — a 58% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.