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Economics at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Milwaukee, WI · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $44,327/yr (-18% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)

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

ROI 16.3x earnings multiple (7.4x out-of-state)

Ranked #158 of 351 Economics programs Top 50%

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	$674K	$655K	$577K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	16.8x	16.3x	14.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	7.6x	7.4x	6.6x
Probability of Field Employment	66%	60%	41%
DegreeOutlook Score	69	68	66

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$40,080

Out-of-state: $88,080 (7.4x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$64,708

-61% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$25,125

6.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$68,869

55% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $44,327/yr fall 18% below the $53,966 national median for Economics. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 16.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 14% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Economics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $25,125 against $44,327/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #158 ranking among 351 Economics programs places University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $44,327-to-$68,869 earnings arc over five years reflects a 55% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee has a 88% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 16,762 in Milwaukee, WI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee →

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 Wisconsin-Milwaukee

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 does a 68/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Economics at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee?

At 68/100, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's Economics program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Should I worry about AI if I study Economics at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee?

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 Wisconsin-Milwaukee a good choice for Economics despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

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