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Economics at University of South Dakota

Vermillion, SD · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $52,857/yr (-2% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)

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

ROI 18.1x earnings multiple (13.2x out-of-state)

Ranked #36 of 351 Economics programs Top 10%

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	$702K	$681K	$595K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	18.6x	18.1x	15.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	13.6x	13.2x	11.5x
Probability of Field Employment	66%	60%	41%
DegreeOutlook Score	76	75	71

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$37,728

Out-of-state: $51,768 (13.2x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$76,620

-103% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,250

4.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$74,965

42% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of South Dakota's Economics program produces graduates earning $52,857/yr — within striking distance of the $53,966 national average for this field.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 18.1x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Economics programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Economics's typical career paths, with 56% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 15% gap from the optimistic case.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $20,250 in median debt clears quickly against $52,857 in annual earnings.

Ranked #36 of 351 programs, University of South Dakota's Economics program falls in the top 10%, outperforming most peers on financial outcomes.

Earnings grow from $52,857 to $74,965 over five years — a 42% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About University of South Dakota

A 99% acceptance rate means University of South Dakota is accessible to most applicants, serving 5,239 students in Vermillion, SD.

See all programs and financial aid at University of South Dakota →

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 South Dakota

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Economics at University of South Dakota?

This program scores 75/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Economics nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.

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 $594,694 in decade earnings vs $702,473 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

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