Analysis
BYU's economics program delivers exceptional value that many families overlook. Graduates leave with just $11,000 in debt—less than half the state median and among the lowest 5% nationally—while earning $63,332 in their first year. That puts graduates in the 82nd percentile nationally, roughly $12,000 above what economics majors typically earn elsewhere. Within Utah, BYU sits comfortably in the middle of the pack for earnings but dramatically outperforms on the debt side, creating a financial advantage that compounds over time.
The 29% earnings growth to $81,529 by year four suggests strong career momentum, and the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.17 means most graduates could conceivably pay off their loans in just a few months. For context, University of Utah economics majors earn slightly more initially ($64,386), but if they're carrying the typical debt load, the financial picture looks considerably different. BYU's combination of low debt and competitive earnings makes this one of the safer bets in economics education, particularly for families concerned about balancing quality education with financial responsibility.
Where Brigham Young University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all economics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Brigham Young University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brigham Young University | $63,332 | $81,529 | +29% |
| Duke University | $98,649 | $153,139 | +55% |
| University of Chicago | $92,075 | $127,832 | +39% |
| Utah State University | $60,472 | $73,167 | +21% |
| University of Utah | $64,386 | $68,470 | +6% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Utah
Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Utah (7 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Brigham Young UniversityProvo | $6,496 | $63,332 | $81,529 | $11,000 | 0.17 |
 University of UtahSalt Lake City | $9,315 | $64,386 | $68,470 | $16,642 | 0.26 |
 Utah State UniversityLogan | $9,228 | $60,472 | $73,167 | $15,250 | 0.25 |
 Southern Utah UniversityCedar City | $6,770 | $43,266 | — | — | — |
| National Median | — | $51,722 | — | $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 Brigham Young University, approximately 32% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 172 graduates with reported earnings and 78 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.