Economics at University of Virginia-Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
76 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
77
Optimistic
76
Base Case
72
Pessimistic
Earnings $74,958/yr (39% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 9.5x earnings multiple (3.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #27 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 $834K $799K $675K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.9x 9.5x 8.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.6x 3.4x 2.9x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 77 76 72

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$83,944
Out-of-state: $232,056 (3.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$91,524
-9% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,423
2.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$95,941
28% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $74,958 put University of Virginia-Main Campus's Economics program 39% above the national median of $53,966 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 9.5x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

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 19% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $74,958 far exceeding the $18,423 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #27 of 351 programs, University of Virginia-Main Campus's Economics program falls in the top 10%, outperforming most peers on financial outcomes.

Earnings grow from $74,958 to $95,941 over five years — a 28% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About University of Virginia-Main Campus

University of Virginia-Main Campus accepts 17% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, with a mid-sized student body of 17,315 in Charlottesville, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Virginia-Main Campus →

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 Virginia-Main Campus

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Economics at University of Virginia-Main Campus?
This program scores 76/100 — 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 $675,085 in decade earnings vs $833,584 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →