Economicsat Yale University
Graduates earn $82,617/yr in their first year — about 53.0% above the national Economics average. Base-case 10-year earnings $1,075K; scenarios range from $864K to $1,141K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Yale University
Studying Economics at Yale positions you uniquely, not just due to the rigorous curriculum but primarily through the unparalleled institutional reputation and recruiting pipeline. Your analytical and quantitative skills developed here are highly prized by top-tier employers in finance, consulting, and tech, who actively seek out Yale graduates in New Haven and nearby major hubs. Many graduates enter prestigious roles at firms like Goldman Sachs or McKinsey, while others leverage their foundation for advanced degrees in law, business, or economics, often leading to academic or policy positions.
While the "Very High" AI risk for economics might seem daunting, it largely reflects the increasing automation of data analysis and forecasting tasks. However, your Yale education emphasizes critical thinking, complex problem-solving, and strategic decision-making—skills AI cannot replicate. To thrive, proactively integrate data science tools and machine learning concepts into your studies, ensuring you're adept at *using* AI to enhance your economic insights, rather than being replaced by it.
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 Yale University'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 Yale University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Yale University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Yale University, 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 Yale University
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Economics at Yale University?
This program scores 73/100 — 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 $863,742 in decade earnings vs $1,141,264 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes Yale University's Economics program stand out?
Ranked #59 of 351 programs nationally, Yale University lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Is Yale University a hidden gem for Economics?
After financial aid, the average student pays $111,272 over four years — 57% below the $258,800 sticker price. That gap makes the ROI significantly better than published tuition suggests.