Economics at Calvin University

Calvin University's economics program sits in the middle of the pack among Michigan schools, but well below what students can earn at state flagships. While the $43,746 starting salary falls short of both the state median ($49,210) and national median ($51,722), graduates carry relatively manageable debt at $20,000—notably lower than the typical Michigan economics graduate's $26,768. However, a significant caveat here is that fewer than 30 students completed this program, making these figures less reliable than data from larger programs.

The concerning signal is the slight earnings decline between years one and four, suggesting graduates aren't gaining much traction in their early careers. For context, Michigan State and Grand Valley economics grads start around $54,000, while U-M Ann Arbor's program launches students at $68,000. The gap isn't just about prestige—it reflects the career networks and employer connections that larger research universities provide in business and finance recruiting.

For families prioritizing a Christian liberal arts education with reasonable debt, Calvin delivers on the affordability front. But if your child is committed to economics as a career path rather than as general business preparation, the in-state public universities offer substantially better earnings trajectories for similar or even lower debt levels. The small sample size here also means one cohort's experience might not predict the next, adding uncertainty to an already modest return.