Economics at Augsburg University

With a small sample size, these numbers require careful interpretation, but they reveal a concerning gap. Augsburg economics graduates earn $45,720 in their first year—nearly $11,000 below the Minnesota median for economics majors and roughly $6,000 under the national benchmark. Among Minnesota's 23 economics programs, this ranks in the bottom quartile, with graduates at comparable schools like St. Thomas and the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities earning 30-25% more right out of the gate.

The debt picture offers some relief: at $27,000, borrowing sits just above state and national medians but isn't excessive given the low 0.59 debt-to-earnings ratio. More than half of Augsburg students receive Pell grants, suggesting the school serves many first-generation college students who might have fewer professional networks—a factor that could partly explain the earnings gap. Still, when peer institutions in the same city produce significantly stronger outcomes, the difference is hard to dismiss as merely circumstantial.

For an anxious parent, the question is whether Augsburg's community and support justify paying similar amounts for notably lower initial earnings. If your student is drawn to the school's mission and Minneapolis location, understand they'll likely start their career at a financial disadvantage compared to economics graduates from nearby alternatives—even after accounting for the modest debt load.