Economics at Bethel University

Indiana's economics programs cluster tightly in the mid-to-upper $50,000s for first-year earnings, and comparable programs suggest Bethel's graduates likely land in that range—around $58,000. That estimated figure sits right at the state median and above the national benchmark of $52,000, though it trails the state's top programs like Notre Dame and DePauw by $6,000-$18,000. The estimated debt load of roughly $27,000 translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46, meaning graduates would need to devote less than half their first-year salary to clear their student loans—a manageable proposition if those earnings hold.

The real question is whether Bethel's accessible admissions profile (99% acceptance, average SAT of 1073) produces outcomes similar to more selective Indiana schools. The estimated figures assume Bethel performs like peer programs across the state, but economics majors at highly selective universities often secure different career trajectories than those at open-admission institutions. If your child thrives in smaller environments and values Bethel's specific offerings, the debt picture looks reasonable. But if competitive placement in finance or consulting matters, the uncertainty here—combined with the school's less selective profile—suggests looking hard at schools with reported outcomes and stronger career pipelines before committing.