Program Analysis
Graduates earn $46,748/yr, roughly in line with the $53,966 national median for Economics. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 14.6x 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 10% gap from the optimistic case.
With first-year pay of $46,748 far exceeding the $21,375 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
Ranked #178 of 351 Economics programs, University of Colorado Colorado Springs falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Earnings grow from $46,748 to $59,346 over five years — a 27% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.