Economics at Colorado College

Colorado College economics graduates earn $58,082 in their first year—outpacing both Colorado's median for the major ($51,521) and placing in the 60th percentile statewide. That puts them ahead of larger programs like CU Boulder and Colorado State, though trailing UC Denver. More impressive is the trajectory: earnings climb 37% to $79,354 by year four, suggesting strong career momentum. With just $18,250 in typical debt—20% below the state median—graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31, meaning they could theoretically pay off loans in under four months of gross income.

The small sample size here matters. With fewer than 30 graduates reporting, these numbers could shift meaningfully in either direction with different cohorts. That said, the pattern aligns with what you'd expect from a selective liberal arts college (20% admission rate, 1445 average SAT): well-connected alumni networks and strong graduate school placement likely drive that earnings growth curve.

For families willing to bet on a small program at a competitive school, this looks solid. The debt load is manageable, early earnings exceed state norms, and the upward trajectory suggests graduates are positioning themselves well. Just recognize you're working with limited data points.