Economicsat University of Dayton
Graduates earn $34,671/yr in their first year — about 36.0% below the national Economics average. Base-case 10-year earnings $637K; scenarios range from $565K to $654K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Dayton
The earnings trends for UD Economics reflect a combination of the regional labor market and the broad nature of an economics degree. While graduates develop strong analytical skills, the Dayton, Ohio area, though robust, isn't a primary hub for the high-paying financial or consulting firms that often drive top economics salaries nationally. Many graduates find valuable roles in regional businesses, government agencies, or non-profits, where the application of economic principles translates to general business analysis, project management, or public service rather than specialized quantitative finance. This path often means a slower initial salary climb compared to majors with more direct, high-demand technical pipelines. To maximize your potential, aggressively pursue internships in your desired sector and consider a complementary minor or certificate in data analytics or finance to sharpen your quantitative edge for a competitive job market.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University of Dayton's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Economics
How University of Dayton stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Dayton
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Dayton, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Economics offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Economics trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Economics at University of Dayton
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Economics at University of Dayton?
A score of 38/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Economics. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
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 $564,890 in decade earnings vs $653,864 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Economics from University of Dayton?
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.