Economicsat Washington and Lee University
Graduates earn $71,737/yr in their first year — about 33.0% above the national Economics average. Base-case 10-year earnings $1,278K; scenarios range from $1,003K to $1,368K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Washington and Lee University
Washington and Lee's rigorous Economics program leverages its elite reputation and strong alumni network to open doors, even from its rural Virginia setting. Your earnings potential reflects the critical thinking, quantitative analysis, and communication skills highly valued by top-tier employers in finance, consulting, and corporate strategy. Many graduates are recruited into competitive roles nationwide, often benefiting from direct pipelines established through the university's career services and dedicated alumni.
While the "Very High" AI risk for some traditional economist or data analyst roles might seem concerning, it underscores the need for adaptability. Focus on developing complementary soft skills like strategic problem-solving, ethical reasoning, and interdisciplinary communication. These uniquely human capabilities will make you indispensable, even as analytical tasks become more automated. Seek internships that emphasize project leadership and client interaction, not just pure data crunching.
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 Washington and Lee University'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 Washington and Lee University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Washington and Lee University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Washington and Lee University, 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 Washington and Lee University
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.