Est. Earnings (1yr)Estimated
$60,236
Est. from OH median (11 programs)
Est. Median DebtEstimated
$21,000
Est. from OH median (10 programs)

Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.

Analysis

Looking at Ohio's business economics programs, the estimated $60,200 first-year earnings here would put graduates right at the state median—and notably at the 75th percentile nationally. That's a meaningful distinction: while this program appears typical within Ohio's competitive landscape, it substantially outperforms the $53,200 national median for business economics majors.

The estimated $21,000 debt load, based on similar programs at Bowling Green, produces a manageable 0.35 debt-to-earnings ratio. For context, that's slightly better than Ohio's state median for this field and creates a monthly payment situation most business graduates can handle in their first year. The uncertainty here matters—individual outcomes will vary based on the actual program structure and your student's career path—but comparable programs in Ohio suggest this debt level is realistic for a state school economics degree.

The real question is whether your student can leverage Bowling Green's business program to reach those median outcomes. With an 81% admission rate, accessibility is clear, but success will depend on internship quality, networking opportunities, and how well the program connects students to Ohio's job market. Similar programs produce earnings that justify the investment, assuming your student graduates on time and enters a field where business economics credentials translate to decent starting salaries.

Where Bowling Green State University-Main Campus Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all business/managerial economics bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Business/Managerial Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (19 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Bowling Green State University-Main CampusBowling Green$14,081$60,236*$21,000*
Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus$12,859$61,979*$70,360$19,500*0.31
Miami University-OxfordOxford$17,809$60,596*$72,562$24,000*0.40
Ohio University-Eastern CampusSaint Clairsville$6,178$60,236*$21,000*0.35
Ohio University-Chillicothe CampusChillicothe$6,178$60,236*$21,000*0.35
Ohio University-Southern CampusIronton$6,178$60,236*$21,000*0.35
National Median$53,219*$22,250*0.42
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with business/managerial economics graduates

Economists

Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Environmental Economists

Conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources. Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of alternative options using economic principles and statistical techniques.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Management Analysts

Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants.

$101,190/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Economics Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in economics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Survey Researchers

Plan, develop, or conduct surveys. May analyze and interpret the meaning of survey data, determine survey objectives, or suggest or test question wording. Includes social scientists who primarily design questionnaires or supervise survey teams.

$63,380/yrJobs growth:Master's degree
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 Bowling Green State University-Main Campus, approximately 23% 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 11 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.