Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48 suggests manageable borrowing for this economics program, though that conclusion rests entirely on estimates drawn from peer institutions. With reported data suppressed due to small graduate cohorts, we're looking at earnings projections based on three Kansas economics programs and debt figures derived from 155 similar private colleges nationwide. The estimated $50,690 first-year salary aligns precisely with Kansas's state median and sits just below the national benchmark of $51,722βnumbers that suggest graduates from comparable programs enter competitive positions.
The estimated $24,102 in debt is slightly above both state and national medians, but remains within reasonable range given Benedictine's private college model. Kansas State graduates with reported outcomes earn marginally more at $52,490, while Kansas peers report first-year earnings spanning from $45,420 to $52,490. This range hints at how variable outcomes can be even within a small state market, making the estimates here plausible but uncertain predictors for Benedictine specifically.
Parents should recognize they're making a financing decision with incomplete information about this particular program's track record. The projected numbers suggest a workable investment if your student thrives in Benedictine's environment and secures employment similar to graduates from the reference programs. But without actual outcomes data, you're trusting that this smaller program produces results comparable to its state peersβa reasonable assumption, but one that carries inherent uncertainty about whether Benedictine's specific curriculum and network deliver the same career access.
Where Benedictine College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all economics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas
Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (10 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $34,800 | $50,690* | β | $24,102* | β | |
| $10,942 | $52,490* | $68,155 | $20,312* | 0.39 | |
| $5,633 | $50,690* | β | β* | β | |
| $11,700 | $45,420* | $53,664 | $26,000* | 0.57 | |
| 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 Benedictine College, approximately 16% 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 3 similar programs in KS. Actual outcomes may vary.