Economicsat Washington University in St Louis
Graduates earn $66,325/yr in their first year — about 23.0% above the national Economics average. Base-case 10-year earnings $687K; scenarios range from $598K to $709K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Washington University in St Louis
Your Washington University Economics degree opens doors due to the program's rigorous analytical and quantitative training, highly valued across diverse industries. While St. Louis itself offers opportunities in finance and corporate strategy, the school's national reputation means graduates frequently secure roles with top-tier consulting firms, investment banks, and tech companies seeking sophisticated problem-solvers. The strong alumni network and career services further amplify these recruiting pipelines, translating directly into robust early-career trajectories.
While some aspects of economic analysis face increasing automation risk, your WashU education emphasizes critical thinking and complex modeling, preparing you for strategic roles where AI is a tool, not a replacement. To maximize your competitive edge, proactively integrate data science or computer science skills. This blend will position you at the forefront of evolving analytical careers, leveraging your strong economic foundation for future success.
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 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 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 University in St Louis
What does a 61/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Economics at Washington University in St Louis?
At 61/100, the score looks reasonable — but Economics is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Economics at Washington University in St Louis?
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.
What do students actually pay for Economics at Washington University in St Louis?
The 65% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $251,928. At a net cost of $88,468, the earnings multiple improves substantially.