Economics at University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
71
Optimistic
70
Base Case
66
Pessimistic
Earnings
$51,521/yr (-5% vs median)
AI Risk
Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI
11.1x earnings multiple (4.3x out-of-state)
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 | $754K | $727K | $626K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 11.5x | 11.1x | 9.5x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 4.5x | 4.3x | 3.7x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 66% | 60% | 41% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 71 | 70 | 66 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$65,720
Out-of-state: $167,772 (4.3x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,630
3.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$79,838
55% growth from Year 1
About University of Colorado Boulder
University of Colorado Boulder has a 83% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving a student body of 31,578 in Boulder, CO.
See all programs and financial aid at University of Colorado Boulder →Top Career Paths
Managers, all other
$136,550/yr
Economics teachers, postsecondary
$119,980/yr
Economists
$115,440/yr
Compare & Explore
Economics at Other Schools
Other Majors at University of Colorado Boulder
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 does a 70/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Economics at University of Colorado Boulder?
At 70/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Should I worry about AI if I study Economics at University of Colorado Boulder?
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 →