Economicsat Williams College
Graduates earn $80,888/yr in their first year — about 50.0% above the national Economics average. Base-case 10-year earnings $1,273K; scenarios range from $999K to $1,362K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Williams College
Williams Economics graduates benefit immensely from the college's elite liberal arts foundation and powerful alumni network. Your rigorous training in economic theory and quantitative analysis is highly valued across diverse sectors, propelling many into competitive roles in finance, management consulting, and data analytics straight out of Williamstown. This program doesn't just teach economics; it cultivates sharp critical thinkers and problem-solvers, making you a prime candidate for leading firms nationally.
While some analytical tasks within economics face automation risk, Williams alumni often quickly ascend to strategic and managerial positions where human judgment and complex decision-making are indispensable. Many leverage their skills in roles beyond traditional economist jobs, including investment banking and tech. To truly excel, focus on internships that blend your analytical prowess with communication and leadership opportunities, building a robust skillset adaptable to future economic shifts.
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 Williams College'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 Williams College stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Williams College
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Williams College, 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 Williams College
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Economics at Williams College?
This program scores 74/100 — 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 $998,984 in decade earnings vs $1,361,833 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes Williams College's Economics program stand out?
Ranked #46 of 351 programs nationally, Williams College lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Is Williams College a hidden gem for Economics?
After financial aid, the average student pays $59,408 over four years — 77% below the $259,440 sticker price. That gap makes the ROI significantly better than published tuition suggests.