Economicsat University of South Dakota
Graduates earn $52,857/yr in their first year — about 2.0% below the national Economics average. Base-case 10-year earnings $681K; scenarios range from $595K to $702K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of South Dakota
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.
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 South Dakota'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 South Dakota stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of South Dakota
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of South Dakota, 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 South Dakota
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.