Business Economicsat Washington University in St Louis
Graduates earn $106,701/yr in their first year — about 100.0% above the national Business Economics average. Base-case 10-year earnings $917K; scenarios range from $774K to $979K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Washington University in St Louis
Your exceptional analytical training from a program like WashU's Business/Managerial Economics sets you up for success in highly competitive fields. The program's rigorous curriculum, often drawing on the strengths of the Olin Business School, cultivates sophisticated problem-solving and data interpretation skills that are highly valued by top-tier employers across finance, consulting, and corporate strategy. While many graduates are recruited into roles nationally, St. Louis's diverse corporate landscape also offers local opportunities.
However, the "very high" AI risk you see reflects a significant shift in these analytical professions. Many routine data analysis, forecasting, and risk assessment tasks are increasingly being automated. To thrive, you'll need to focus on developing complementary skills like strategic communication, complex critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and cross-functional collaboration – the nuanced human elements AI cannot replicate. Proactively seeking internships that expose you to emerging technologies will be key to future-proofing your career.
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 University in St Louis'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 Business Economics
How Washington University in St Louis stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Washington University in St Louis
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Washington University in St Louis, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Business Economics offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Business Economics trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Business Economics at Washington University in St Louis
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.