Economics at Caldwell University

The estimated $21,413 in debt sits comfortably below both New Jersey's typical economics bachelor's debt of $25,000 and the national median, making this one of the more affordable paths to an economics degree in the state. When you're borrowing less than half of what you can expect to earn in year one, the financial foundation looks relatively stable—even if these figures come from peer programs rather than Caldwell's own graduates.

The first-year earnings estimate of roughly $52,000 aligns exactly with the state median for economics programs, suggesting typical outcomes for the field in New Jersey. That puts Caldwell's estimated performance on par with Rutgers' various campuses, though well below Princeton's economics graduates who command double the salary. Still, for a school where nearly half the students receive Pell grants, matching the state standard while keeping debt low represents a reasonable value proposition for families seeking upward mobility without excessive financial risk.

The main uncertainty is program-specific: without reported data from Caldwell itself, you're relying on what similar economics programs in New Jersey deliver. If you're choosing between this and other state options, the lower estimated debt could offset any small differences in starting salary, particularly if your child qualifies for additional aid at Caldwell. The key question is whether Caldwell's career services and alumni network in economics can deliver outcomes that match the state median these estimates suggest.