Economics at Bates College

Bates economics graduates start at $71,187—nearly 40% above the national median for the degree—but small sample sizes (under 30 graduates tracked) mean these numbers could shift significantly year to year. Still, the combination of very low debt ($13,000 versus $22,816 nationally) and strong initial earnings creates a debt-to-income ratio of just 0.18, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in about two months of work.

Within Maine's small economics program landscape, Bates sits in the middle of the pack, behind Colby and Bowdoin but well ahead of the state's public universities. The 28% earnings growth to $90,762 by year four suggests graduates are landing roles with genuine upward mobility. For context, Bates' 13% admission rate and high test scores signal this isn't a program accessible to most students—only 10% of students receive Pell grants—but those who get in face minimal financial burden afterward.

The real question is whether Bates justifies its full cost of attendance compared to similarly selective competitors. If your child can graduate with just $13,000 in debt, the answer is likely yes—that's manageable on any timeline. But verify current financial aid packages carefully, as these debt figures represent actual graduate outcomes that vary widely based on family resources.