Economicsat University of Pennsylvania
Graduates earn $89,097/yr in their first year — about 65.0% above the national Economics average. Base-case 10-year earnings $1,244K; scenarios range from $979K to $1,330K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Pennsylvania
Your Penn Economics degree isn't just a strong credential; it's a gateway. The university's elite reputation and proximity to major financial hubs, coupled with Wharton's quantitative rigor, fuel robust recruiting pipelines directly into top-tier investment banking, management consulting, and tech firms. This program emphasizes a deep analytical toolkit, preparing you for roles where strategic problem-solving and data interpretation are paramount. However, many entry-level analytical and forecasting tasks are increasingly susceptible to AI augmentation. To truly maximize your future, focus on developing advanced communication, leadership, and interdisciplinary skills. Leverage the powerful alumni network to explore specialized niches that blend economic theory with human-centric strategy, ensuring your unique value proposition remains high even as the landscape shifts.
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 Pennsylvania'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 Pennsylvania stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Pennsylvania
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania
What does a 75/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Economics at University of Pennsylvania?
At 75/100, 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 Pennsylvania?
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.
What do students actually pay for Economics at University of Pennsylvania?
The 53% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $264,416. At a net cost of $124,916, the earnings multiple improves substantially.