Economics at Tufts University

Medford, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
72 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
73
Optimistic
72
Base Case
68
Pessimistic
Earnings $75,125/yr (39% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 3.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #81 of 351 Economics programs Top 25%

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 $1,123K $1,059K $853K
Earnings Multiple 4.1x 3.9x 3.1x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 73 72 68

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$271,376
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$141,740
48% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,850
2.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$126,124
68% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Tufts University Economics graduates command $75,125/yr out of the gate, well above the $53,966 national median. That 39% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

An earnings multiple of 3.9x means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition, but not by a dramatic margin. Returns are positive but modest.

Some AI exposure exists in Economics's typical career paths, with 56% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 24% gap from the optimistic case.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $17,850 in median debt clears quickly against $75,125 in annual earnings.

At #81 of 351 nationally, this is a top-5% Economics program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Five-year earnings of $126,124 show a 68% jump from the $75,125 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Tufts University

Only 10% of applicants gain admission to Tufts University, reflecting elite selectivity, serving 6,804 students in Medford, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $141,740 — 48% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Tufts University →

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

Other Majors at Tufts University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Economics at Tufts University?
This program scores 72/100 — 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 $852,772 in decade earnings vs $1,123,374 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes Tufts University's Economics program stand out?
Ranked #81 of 351 programs nationally, Tufts University lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →