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Economics at Washington and Lee University

Lexington, VA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
72 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
73
Optimistic
72
Base Case
69
Pessimistic
Earnings $71,737/yr (33% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 5.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #94 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 $1,368K $1,278K $1,003K
Earnings Multiple 5.3x 5.0x 3.9x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 73 72 69

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$258,100
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$95,644
63% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,399
3.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$145,820
103% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $71,737 put Washington and Lee University's Economics program 33% above the national median of $53,966 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

The 5.0x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 56% task exposure — and the 27% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

With first-year pay of $71,737 far exceeding the $23,399 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #94 out of 351 programs, Washington and Lee University's Economics offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth from $71,737 to $145,820 over five years (103% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Washington and Lee University

Washington and Lee University accepts 17% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, a compact campus enrolling 1,884 students in Lexington, VA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $95,644 — 63% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Washington and Lee University →

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

Compare this program → View all 351 schools offering Economics →

Economics at Other Schools

Harvard University ($103,993) Princeton University ($103,041) Duke University ($98,649) Stanford University ($98,104) Dartmouth College ($94,675) University of Chicago ($92,075) Amherst College ($90,568) Claremont McKenna College ($89,505)

Other Majors at Washington and Lee University

Accounting and Related Services ($81,625) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($76,627)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Economics trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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

How does Washington and Lee University's Economics program score?
A score of 72/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. Washington and Lee University's Economics graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
How vulnerable is Economics to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Economics careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 56% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
How affordable is Economics at Washington and Lee University after financial aid?
Sticker price is $258,100, but the average net cost is $95,644 — a 63% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →