Economicsat Princeton University
Graduates earn $103,041/yr in their first year — about 91.0% above the national Economics average. Base-case 10-year earnings $904K; scenarios range from $747K to $951K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Princeton University
Princeton's Economics program offers a launchpad to exceptionally high-earning careers, primarily due to the university's unparalleled brand, vast alumni network, and the program's rigorous quantitative training. Graduates are intensely recruited by top-tier financial institutions, prestigious management consulting firms, and leading tech companies, often leveraging proximity to major hubs like New York City. The curriculum develops sophisticated analytical and critical thinking skills, preparing you for complex roles in finance, data science, and high-level management. While the "Very High" AI risk reflects the increasing automation of routine data tasks within economics, your Princeton education uniquely positions you to *lead* in an AI-driven world, applying advanced economic principles to strategic challenges. Focus on interdisciplinary studies and developing your strategic communication skills to maximize this advantage.
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 Princeton 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 Princeton University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Princeton University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Princeton 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 Princeton University
What does a 62/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Economics at Princeton University?
At 62/100, the score looks reasonable — but Economics is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Economics at Princeton 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.
What do students actually pay for Economics at Princeton University?
The 82% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $238,840. At a net cost of $42,220, the earnings multiple improves substantially.