Economics at Central Michigan University

Central Michigan's economics program sits squarely in the middle of Michigan's offerings—literally. At $48,636, graduates earn just below the state median of $49,210 and roughly $3,000 less than the national average. Among Michigan's 22 economics programs, this lands in the 40th percentile, trailing not just elite UM-Ann Arbor but also larger state schools like MSU and Grand Valley. The bright spot? Debt loads are remarkably low, with the typical graduate borrowing $27,000—below both state and national medians and ranking in the 5th percentile nationally.

That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56 means graduates can expect to pay off roughly half their first year's salary in loans, which is manageable by most standards. The economics fundamentals here work: reasonable debt paired with steady, if unspectacular, earnings. However, these figures come from a small sample (under 30 graduates), so your child's experience could vary significantly from these medians.

For families keeping costs down, this program delivers acceptable outcomes without crushing debt. But if your student is competitive enough for Michigan State or Grand Valley—both charging similar in-state tuition—those programs show stronger earnings potential with comparable debt. Central Michigan makes sense if location matters, if your child needs the higher acceptance rate, or if specific faculty or research opportunities align with their goals. Otherwise, the mid-tier placement suggests exploring alternatives before committing.