Economicsat Sonoma State University
Graduates earn $53,825/yr in their first year — right at the national average. Base-case 10-year earnings $916K; scenarios range from $755K to $964K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Sonoma State University
Sonoma State's Economics program stands out nationally, a testament to its curriculum and faculty effectiveness in preparing graduates for the workforce. Situated in the North Bay, you'll find strong regional connections to diverse industries, from the prominent wine sector to local government, finance, and even tech opportunities closer to San Francisco. This proximity helps explain why graduates consistently achieve career success, often stepping into roles as data-driven managers, financial analysts, or even specialized economists.
However, the field's high AI risk means your foundational analytical skills need to be complemented by robust critical thinking, advanced data interpretation, and excellent communication abilities. Focus on mastering the storytelling behind the numbers and cultivating interdisciplinary skills, as these uniquely human attributes will be crucial for long-term career resilience. Leverage the program's strength by actively seeking internships that offer hands-on experience applying economic principles to real-world business challenges.
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 Sonoma State 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 Sonoma State University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Sonoma State University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Sonoma State 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 Sonoma State University
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Economics at Sonoma State University?
This program scores 80/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Economics nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.
Will AI replace Economics careers?
With 56% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $754,888 in decade earnings vs $963,733 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes Sonoma State University's Economics program stand out?
Ranked #7 of 351 programs nationally, Sonoma State University lands in the top 5%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.