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Business Economics at Washington University in St Louis

Saint Louis, MO · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Business/Managerial Economics
55 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
56
Optimistic
55
Base Case
52
Pessimistic
Earnings $106,701/yr (100% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (105,700 openings/yr)
ROI 3.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #58 of 81 Business/Managerial Economics programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Business Economics graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $979K $917K $774K
Earnings Multiple 3.9x 3.6x 3.1x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 58% 42%
DegreeOutlook Score 56 55 52

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$251,928
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$88,468
65% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

At $106,701 per year, Business Economics graduates from Washington University in St Louis significantly outpace the $53,330 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

The 3.6x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 53% task exposure — and the 21% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

At #58 out of 81 programs, Washington University in St Louis's financial outcomes for Business Economics trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Washington University in St Louis

With just 12% of applicants admitted, Washington University in St Louis ranks among the nation's most selective schools, with a mid-sized student body of 7,897 in Saint Louis, MO. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $88,468 — 65% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Washington University in St Louis →

Top Career Paths

Economics teachers, postsecondary $119,980/yr
Economists $115,440/yr
Financial risk specialists $106,000/yr
View all 5 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 81 schools offering Business Economics →

Business Economics at Other Schools

University of California-Los Angeles ($83,604) Villanova University ($82,212) Lehigh University ($81,796) Brigham Young University ($75,227) Bentley University ($68,627) Seton Hall University ($66,877) Ashford University ($66,360) University of Miami ($63,662)

Other Majors at Washington University in St Louis

Computer Science ($110,302) Finance and Financial Management Services ($102,814) Systems Engineering ($83,874) Mathematics ($79,799) Mechanical Engineering ($72,057) Marketing ($70,819) Chemical Engineering ($69,801) Economics ($66,325)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Business Economics trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Washington University in St Louis's Business Economics program score?
A score of 55/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but Washington University in St Louis trails the majority of Business Economics programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.
How vulnerable is Business Economics to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Business Economics careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 53% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
How affordable is Business Economics at Washington University in St Louis after financial aid?
Sticker price is $251,928, but the average net cost is $88,468 — a 65% 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 →