Economics at Wellesley College

Wellesley, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
71 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
73
Optimistic
71
Base Case
67
Pessimistic
Earnings $86,367/yr (60% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)
ROI 3.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #101 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 $910K $867K $722K
Earnings Multiple 3.5x 3.4x 2.8x
Probability of Field Employment 66% 60% 41%
DegreeOutlook Score 73 71 67

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$257,280
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$100,032
61% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$11,190
1.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$107,567
25% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $86,367 per year, Economics graduates from Wellesley College significantly outpace the $53,966 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

An earnings multiple of 3.4x means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition, but not by a dramatic margin. Returns are positive but modest.

Some AI exposure exists in Economics's typical career paths, with 56% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 21% gap from the optimistic case.

The median debt load of $11,190 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #101 of 351 Economics programs, Wellesley College scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Earnings grow from $86,367 to $107,567 over five years — a 25% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Wellesley College

With just 14% of applicants admitted, Wellesley College ranks among the nation's most selective schools, a smaller institution with 2,318 students in Wellesley, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $100,032 — 61% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Wellesley College →

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

Economics at Other Schools

Other Majors at Wellesley College

Explore the Trade Alternative

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

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Economics at Wellesley College?
This program scores 71/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Economics nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.
Will AI replace Economics careers?
With 56% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $721,707 in decade earnings vs $909,624 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Is Wellesley College a hidden gem for Economics?
After financial aid, the average student pays $100,032 over four years — 61% below the $257,280 sticker price. That gap makes the ROI significantly better than published tuition suggests.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →