Analysis
Claremont McKenna's economics program rivals Stanford's outcomes while keeping debt remarkably low—graduates here earn $89,505 in their first year, approaching Stanford's $98,104, but leave with just $12,000 in median debt. Among California's 55 economics programs, this ranks in the 95th percentile for earnings, outpacing even Berkeley ($80,446) and substantially ahead of the state median of $51,212.
The economics here are exceptional. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.13, most graduates could theoretically pay off their entire student loan balance in under two months of work. Earnings also grow robustly—up 29% by year four to $115,832—suggesting these graduates are building careers with real momentum, not just landing well-paying first jobs. The sample size of 30-100 graduates provides reasonable confidence in these figures, though it's worth noting this reflects a selective pool (11% admission rate, 1514 average SAT).
For families weighing CMC against other top California schools, the value proposition is compelling. You're getting Stanford-tier outcomes at a fraction of the typical debt burden. The low Pell grant percentage (19%) means this isn't yet accessible to all families, but for those who can make the finances work—whether through aid, savings, or modest borrowing—the return on investment strongly justifies the cost.
Where Claremont McKenna College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all economics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Claremont McKenna College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claremont McKenna College | $89,505 | $115,832 | +29% |
| Stanford University | $98,104 | $127,416 | +30% |
| University of California-Berkeley | $80,446 | $106,624 | +33% |
| Santa Clara University | $76,606 | $102,794 | +34% |
| Pomona College | $70,051 | $100,669 | +44% |
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (55 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Claremont McKenna CollegeClaremont | $64,150 | $89,505 | $115,832 | $12,000 | 0.13 |
 Stanford UniversityStanford | $62,484 | $98,104 | $127,416 | $12,500 | 0.13 |
 University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley | $14,850 | $80,446 | $106,624 | $13,000 | 0.16 |
 Santa Clara UniversitySanta Clara | $59,241 | $76,606 | $102,794 | $19,500 | 0.25 |
 Pomona CollegeClaremont | $62,326 | $70,051 | $100,669 | — | — |
 California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo | $11,075 | $67,501 | $76,499 | $18,500 | 0.27 |
| National Median | — | $51,722 | — | $22,816 | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with economics graduates
Economists
Environmental Economists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
Search Marketing Strategists
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Survey Researchers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Claremont McKenna College, approximately 19% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 47 graduates with reported earnings and 42 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.