Economics at Belmont University

The estimated $58,000 first-year salary for economics graduates at Belmont looks competitive—it matches the Tennessee median and sits above the national benchmark of roughly $52,000. While we can't see actual outcomes for this specific cohort (the graduate sample was too small for the DOE to publish), similar economics programs across Tennessee consistently cluster in this range. What's particularly encouraging is the estimated debt load of $19,500, which comes in below both state and national medians. That 0.34 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable repayment: roughly one-third of a year's salary in total borrowing.

However, the Tennessee market shows considerable variation. Vanderbilt economics graduates earn $84,000—nearly 50% more—though that reflects both the institution's selectivity and its Nashville job pipeline. Meanwhile, UT-Knoxville, despite being Tennessee's flagship public university, shows lower first-year earnings at $46,000, which suggests that economics outcomes depend heavily on the specific school's network and placement. Belmont's position in Nashville and its 96% admission rate place it in an interesting middle ground: accessible yet potentially well-connected to local employers.

For parents weighing this investment, the estimated numbers suggest reasonable value if your student is set on economics and wants Nashville connections. The modest debt burden provides breathing room even if actual outcomes vary from these peer-based projections. Just recognize that these figures represent what similar programs produce, not guaranteed outcomes from Belmont's specific program.