Economics at Spelman College

Atlanta, GA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
67 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
68
Optimistic
67
Base Case
63
Pessimistic
Earnings $59,907/yr (11% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 5.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #163 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 $738K $713K $617K
Earnings Multiple 6.1x 5.9x 5.1x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 68 67 63

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$120,232
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$147,312
-23% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,375
5.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$81,070
35% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $59,907 per year, Economics graduates from Spelman College earn slightly above the $53,966 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

A 5.9x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 16% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Economics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $26,375 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #163 ranking among 351 Economics programs places Spelman College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 35% earnings increase from $59,907 to $81,070 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Spelman College

A 34% acceptance rate puts Spelman College in competitive admissions territory, a compact campus enrolling 3,633 students in Atlanta, GA.

See all programs and financial aid at Spelman College →

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

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Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 67/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Economics at Spelman College?
At 67/100, Spelman College'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 Spelman College?
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 →