Analysis
Economics degrees in Georgia show dramatic variation in outcomes, with graduates from top programs earning $71,000 while others start closer to $40,000. Based on comparable programs in the state, Agnes Scott economics majors might expect to land near the middle of this range at around $45,000βroughly $7,000 below the national median for the field. With estimated debt of $27,000, that translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio that should allow graduates to handle their loan payments, though the relatively modest starting salary means less financial breathing room than at peer institutions.
The challenge here is that economics is typically valued for opening doors to high-paying finance and consulting roles, yet these estimated earnings suggest Agnes Scott graduates may not be reaching that tier of opportunity. Whether that's due to the small liberal arts environment, regional employer networks, or student career choices isn't clear from the data. What is evident: families shouldn't expect the earning power of larger research universities or elite institutions in the state.
For parents weighing this investment, the modest debt load offers some reassurance, but the below-national-average earnings deserve scrutiny. Before committing, have direct conversations with the career services office about where recent economics graduates actually land jobs and what support exists for students targeting competitive finance or data analyst positions where economics majors typically command higher salaries.
Where Agnes Scott College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all economics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia
Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (16 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $48,150 | $45,226* | β | $27,000* | β | |
| $60,774 | $71,340* | $86,679 | $21,000* | 0.29 | |
| $30,058 | $59,907* | $67,871 | $27,000* | 0.45 | |
| $11,180 | $49,725* | $68,386 | $16,924* | 0.34 | |
| $31,725 | $40,726* | $83,743 | $27,000* | 0.66 | |
| $8,478 | $40,598* | $62,063 | $28,500* | 0.70 | |
| National Median | β | $51,722* | β | $22,816* | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with economics graduates
Economists
Environmental Economists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
Search Marketing Strategists
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Survey Researchers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Agnes Scott College, approximately 36% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 6 similar programs in GA. Actual outcomes may vary.