Economics at University of Nevada-Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV · Public · Bachelor's Degree
56 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
57
Optimistic
56
Base Case
62
Pessimistic
Earnings $30,432/yr (-44% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 22.7x earnings multiple (8.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #298 of 351 Economics programs

Program Analysis

The earnings data for UNLV Economics reflects the unique regional labor market. While an economics degree offers powerful analytical skills, Las Vegas's economy, heavily rooted in hospitality and gaming, shapes where graduates primarily find opportunities. You're likely to see roles in market research for resorts, operational analysis for gaming companies, or local government planning, rather than the high-finance or tech sectors prevalent elsewhere. These local industry roles, while valuable, often have different salary structures than traditional economics careers in other major cities. To thrive and mitigate AI risk, you should proactively build strong quantitative skills, perhaps through data science electives, and aggressively pursue internships within the local business intelligence or analytics departments of major employers to tailor your profile to this dynamic environment.

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 $869K $831K $697K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 23.8x 22.7x 19.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.3x 8.0x 6.7x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 57 56 62

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$36,568
Out-of-state: $104,392 (8.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$40,044
-10% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,069
7.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$76,496
151% growth from Year 1

About University of Nevada-Las Vegas

With 96% of applicants admitted, University of Nevada-Las Vegas prioritizes broad access, one of the larger campuses at 24,131 students in Las Vegas, NV. 40% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Nevada-Las Vegas →

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 Nevada-Las Vegas

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Economics at University of Nevada-Las Vegas?
This program scores 56/100 — 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 $697,065 in decade earnings vs $869,427 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Economics from University of Nevada-Las Vegas?
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 →