Economicsat University of Northern Iowa
Graduates earn $49,314/yr in their first year — about 9.0% below the national Economics average. Base-case 10-year earnings $702K; scenarios range from $609K to $725K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Northern Iowa
Graduates earn $49,314/yr, roughly in line with the $53,966 national median for Economics. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
With a 18.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 16% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Economics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.
With first-year pay of $49,314 far exceeding the $17,169 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
University of Northern Iowa ranks #44 among 351 Economics programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.
The $49,314-to-$76,060 earnings arc over five years reflects a 54% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.
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 Northern Iowa'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 Northern Iowa stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Northern Iowa
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Northern Iowa, 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 Northern Iowa
What does a 74/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Economics at University of Northern Iowa?
At 74/100, 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 Northern Iowa?
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 Northern Iowa one of the best schools for Economics?
Among 351 Economics programs, University of Northern Iowa's #44 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.