Economics at Brigham Young University
Bachelor's Degree
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Brigham Young University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Brigham Young University graduates earn $63k, placing them in the 82th percentile of all economics bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Utah
Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Utah (7 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brigham Young University | $63,332 | $81,529 | $11,000 | 0.17 |
| University of Utah | $64,386 | $68,470 | $16,642 | 0.26 |
| Utah State University | $60,472 | $73,167 | $15,250 | 0.25 |
| Southern Utah University | $43,266 | — | — | — |
| National Median | $51,722 | — | $22,816 | 0.44 |
Other Economics Programs in Utah
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Utah schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Utah Salt Lake City | $9,315 | $64,386 | $16,642 |
| Utah State University Logan | $9,228 | $60,472 | $15,250 |
| Southern Utah University Cedar City | $6,770 | $43,266 | — |
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.