Home › University of Central Arkansas › Economics

Economics at University of Central Arkansas

Conway, AR · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $41,919/yr (-22% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)

ROI 12.0x earnings multiple (7.0x out-of-state)

Ranked #312 of 351 Economics programs

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	$485K	$485K	$461K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	12.0x	12.0x	11.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	7.0x	7.0x	6.7x
Probability of Field Employment	66%	60%	41%
DegreeOutlook Score	54	53	52

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$40,472

Out-of-state: $69,032 (7.0x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$67,100

-66% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$17,130

4.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $41,919/yr fall 22% below the $53,966 national median for Economics. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 12.0x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Economics programs nationally.

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 5% gap from the optimistic case.

At $17,130 in median debt against $41,919 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

Ranked #312 of 351 Economics programs, University of Central Arkansas falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About University of Central Arkansas

University of Central Arkansas has a 90% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 7,426 in Conway, AR.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Central Arkansas →

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 University of Central Arkansas

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Economics at University of Central Arkansas?

This program scores 53/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Economics programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.

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 $461,124 in decade earnings vs $484,632 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Can you still earn well with Economics from University of Central Arkansas?

First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →