Economics at Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon economics graduates command $86,284 straight out of college—that's $33,000 more than the typical economics graduate nationally and substantially above Pennsylvania's state median of $53,396. In Pennsylvania's competitive economics landscape, only UPenn produces higher-earning graduates. The debt load of $22,020 is remarkably modest given these outcomes, translating to just three months of first-year salary. This is exactly the kind of return selective STEM-focused universities can deliver when students are willing to do the work to get in.

The 11% admission rate tells you this isn't a program for everyone, but for qualified students, the math is compelling. Earnings grow to $94,093 by year four, and that debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26 means graduates can realistically pay off loans quickly while building savings. The relatively small percentage of Pell grant recipients (15%) suggests this is a wealthier student body, but the strong outcomes aren't just a function of family connections—these are market-rate salaries reflecting genuine employer demand for CMU's quantitative training.

For families who can navigate the competitive admissions and whose students have strong math skills, this represents one of the best economics programs in the state. The investment pays back quickly, and graduates enter the job market with both high earning potential and manageable debt.