Economics at Campbell University

An economics degree from Campbell appears to follow the pattern of other NC programs, with estimated first-year earnings around $46,425—roughly $5,000 below what economics majors earn nationally. The estimated debt load of $19,500 is manageable relative to those earnings, producing a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 that should allow graduates to make headway on repayment even if starting salaries come in at the lower end of expectations.

What these estimates reveal, however, is a significant earnings gap within North Carolina itself. While Campbell's outcomes likely track with the state median, top-tier programs in the state produce dramatically different results—Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill graduates earn 40-110% more in their first year. Even regional competitors like Elon and Wake Forest show substantially higher early earnings. This spread matters for economics specifically, since the field often rewards institutional reputation and alumni networks in ways that affect access to higher-paying finance, consulting, and corporate roles.

The relatively light debt burden gives this program a safety margin that more expensive options lack. If your student is staying in North Carolina and targeting mid-sized employers or government positions rather than competitive corporate tracks, the economics fundamentals here should translate to steady employment. But if they're aiming for the higher-earning career paths that economics majors often pursue, the institutional prestige gap could prove limiting in ways that the debt-to-earnings ratio alone doesn't capture.