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Economics at University of Kansas

Lawrence, KS · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $45,420/yr (-16% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)

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

ROI 15.6x earnings multiple (6.2x out-of-state)

Ranked #113 of 351 Economics programs Top 50%

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	$755K	$728K	$627K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	16.1x	15.6x	13.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.4x	6.2x	5.3x
Probability of Field Employment	66%	60%	41%
DegreeOutlook Score	71	70	67

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$46,800

Out-of-state: $117,648 (6.2x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$69,460

-48% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$24,650

6.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$77,286

70% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $45,420 place University of Kansas below the $53,966 national median for Economics — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

With a 15.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 17% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Economics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $24,650 against $45,420/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #113 ranking among 351 Economics programs places University of Kansas in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $45,420-to-$77,286 earnings arc over five years reflects a 70% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Kansas

University of Kansas accepts 88% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 19,857 students in Lawrence, KS.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Kansas →

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 Kansas

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 Kansas?

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 Kansas?

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.

Is University of Kansas a good choice for Economics despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If University of Kansas's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

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