Are you considering whether a graduate degree is worth the financial investment, or wondering whether it can propel your career by increasing your earning potential? The MSAE is designed for early-career professionals who want to advance—and the outcomes reflect that.
Below is a snapshot of where recent graduates have landed, what they're earning, and which companies and industries they're working in.
On this page:
- Why the MSAE program is worth it
- Recent graduate employment highlights
- What recent grads have to say
- Lehigh business career support
- Frequently asked questions
Why Lehigh’s MSAE is Worth the Investment
- $71,689 average salary*
- 71% of graduates are employed, continuing their education, or pursuing volunteer experience
- Graduates received job offers across a wide range of industries and functions
*Salary data includes all business specialty master’s programs, including Applied Economics, Business Analytics & AI, and Management.
Where MS in Applied Economics Graduates Work
The employment data below details the industries, functions, position titles, and companies of the most recent class of MSAE graduates. Data is sourced annually from the Lehigh University Graduate Next Destination Report
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Dig Into Our Specialty Master's Graduate Outcome Data
Lehigh master's in applied economics graduates work across a broad range of sectors. Below are the industries most commonly represented by Lehigh MSAE graduates:
- 50% Energy
- 25% Consulting
- 25% Manufacturing
MSAE graduates step into roles across every major business function. Below are the most common functions represented:
- 25% Accounting
- 25% Data & Analytics
- 25% Operations/Logistics
- 25% Research (R&D)
The breadth of titles below reflects the range of industries and seniority levels represented in the MSAE graduate community:
- Associate, Decision Science
- Analyst, Wind Asset Management
- Business Consulting
- Business Valuation Associate
- Consultant
- Data Engineer
- Economist and Asset Specialist
- Financial Assistant
- Technology Risk Consultant
Below is a sample of companies where recent MSAE graduates are working:
- Alibaba Group
- Axtria
- Bank of Ningbo Co
- Borealis Global Analytics
- EY
- Hang Seng Bank China
- Insurance Corporation of British Columbia
- Invenergy
- KPMG
- M&T Bank
- OcuTrap
- Tradeweb
Respondents could select more than one option; percentages do not sum to 100%.
- 100% Alumni Network
- 100% LinkedIn
- 100% Personal Network
What MS in Applied Economics Graduates Say
“I think the overall experience for the program is nothing short of amazing. And I applied to this program because it provides me with a lot of research opportunities to prepare for my Ph.D. studies.”
—Duke L.
“This program has taken my decision making ability to the next level. The courses really take simple, intuitive concepts and slowly add complexity to match their complexities in the real world. This ability will make me more valuable in the industry.”
—Writesh S.
Lehigh Business Career Support
Career development at Lehigh doesn't stop at graduation. Through the NextYOU program, MSAE students receive structured coaching, job-search strategy support, and access to Lehigh's professional network throughout the degree program and beyond.
FAQs About Lehigh's MS in Applied Economics Career Paths & Outcomes
Yes. For early-career professionals looking to advance their career, the full-time MSAE program is designed to prepare you for in-demand analyst, specialist, and consulting jobs.
Lehigh MSAE graduates step into roles across every major business function. Most hold mid-level positions across a wide range of industries such as (37%) Technology, (9%) Consulting, (9%) Energy, and (9%) Financial Services.
The average salary for 2025 specialty master's graduates was $71,689, based on data from the Lehigh University Graduate Next Destination Report.
MSAE graduates pursue a range of professional and educational opportunities after completing the program. Among the 2025 graduating class, 71% were employed, continuing their education, or pursuing volunteer experience. Lehigh provides comprehensive career support throughout the program and after graduation to help students prepare for their next steps.
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