Analysis
Minnesota economics programs typically show first-year earnings around $57,000, and comparable programs at similar colleges in the state suggest debt near $26,000—putting Concordia's estimated debt-to-earnings ratio at 0.46. That's manageable by most standards, though the small sample size that triggered data suppression here means we're working from peer program patterns rather than Concordia's actual outcomes.
The estimated earnings align with the state median and sit comfortably above the national benchmark of $51,722. However, among the handful of Minnesota schools with reported data, several show stronger outcomes—Carleton tops the list at $66,567, while St. Catherine and St. Thomas both report over $60,000. This doesn't mean Concordia underperforms those schools (we simply don't have their specific numbers), but it does suggest that economics degree outcomes vary considerably across Minnesota institutions, even when controlling for location and field.
The debt estimate deserves attention. At roughly $26,000, it exceeds both state and national medians for economics programs, though only slightly. For a private college in Minnesota, this falls within normal range—but it means graduates would face annual loan payments of around $3,000 assuming standard repayment, which first-year earnings should cover. Without this program's actual data, families should look closely at Concordia's specific financial aid package and consider what distinguishes this program beyond the numbers we can estimate.
Where Concordia College at Moorhead Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all economics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota
Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (23 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30,020 | $56,570* | — | $25,800* | — | |
| $65,457 | $66,567* | $83,775 | $19,500* | 0.29 | |
| $49,758 | $64,916* | — | $30,215* | 0.47 | |
| $52,284 | $60,323* | $68,704 | $24,600* | 0.41 | |
| $64,908 | $59,752* | $83,794 | $24,000* | 0.40 | |
| $16,488 | $56,902* | $76,116 | $21,500* | 0.38 | |
| 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 Concordia College at Moorhead, approximately 20% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 10 similar programs in MN. Actual outcomes may vary.