Economics vs Finance Degree: Salary, Careers, and Which to Choose

Choosing between Economics and Finance is one of the most common dilemmas for incoming college students. Both are solid degrees, but they lead to very different career paths and salary outcomes. Let's break down the data.

Economics vs Finance: Salary at Every Career Stage

Career Stage	Economics	Finance
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$55,000	$60,000
Mid-Career (5-10 years)	$85,000	$95,000
Senior Level	$130,000+	$150,000+

Job Growth and Demand

Economics has projected job growth of 6% through 2032. More analytical and theoretical, strong for grad school and policy careers.

Finance has projected job growth of 8% through 2032. More applied, direct path to banking, corporate finance, and investment management.

Which Degree Has Better ROI?

Finance has higher starting salaries because it's more directly vocational. Economics is more versatile long-term — econ majors show up in tech, consulting, law, and public policy. If you want Wall Street, pick finance. If you want options, pick economics.

The real answer depends on your specific school and what you pay. Use Ask Kinsley's Economics rankings and Finance rankings to compare Value Scores at schools you're considering.

The Bottom Line: Economics vs Finance

Both degrees can lead to a successful career. The best choice depends on your interests, risk tolerance, and career goals. Whatever you choose, attend the most affordable school that offers a strong program in your field — the school's price tag matters as much as the major itself.

Compare actual salary data and costs at askkinsley.com.