Economicsat South Dakota State University
Graduates earn $44,663/yr in their first year — about 17.0% below the national Economics average. Base-case 10-year earnings $619K; scenarios range from $552K to $633K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at South Dakota State University
South Dakota State University's Economics graduates start at $44,663/yr, trailing the $53,966 national average by 17%. The program's value hinges on affordability.
With a 16.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 13% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Economics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.
At $25,000 against $44,663/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.
A #155 ranking among 351 Economics programs places South Dakota State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.
A 45% earnings increase from $44,663 to $64,860 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.
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 South Dakota 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 South Dakota State University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at South Dakota State University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at South Dakota 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 South Dakota State University
What does a 68/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Economics at South Dakota State University?
At 68/100, South Dakota State 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 South Dakota State 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.
Is South Dakota State University a good choice for Economics despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If South Dakota State University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.