Analysis
Connecticut College economics graduates start strong at nearly $63,000 and see impressive momentum, jumping to $87,000 by year four—a 38% increase that outpaces typical career trajectories. While the program sits in the 60th percentile among Connecticut schools (behind Yale, Fairfield, and Trinity), it punches well above the national median, landing in the 81st percentile nationally. For a selective liberal arts college, these outcomes suggest the program successfully translates its academic rigor into marketplace results.
The financial picture is notably clean: $25,000 in median debt represents less than 40% of first-year earnings, well below concerning thresholds. Combined with strong earnings growth, graduates appear to be building genuine career momentum rather than plateauing early. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) provides reasonable confidence in these numbers, though parents should recognize some year-to-year variability.
The value proposition here is straightforward—Connecticut College delivers solid economics outcomes at a manageable debt load. You're not getting Yale-level earnings, but you're also likely not paying Yale-level tuition, and the growth trajectory suggests graduates are landing roles with advancement potential. For families weighing selective liberal arts colleges, this program shows how academic quality can translate into tangible career results without crushing debt.
Where Connecticut College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all economics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Connecticut 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut College | $62,732 | $86,772 | +38% |
| Yale University | $82,617 | $125,006 | +51% |
| Trinity College | $71,191 | $112,699 | +58% |
| Fairfield University | $74,023 | $81,906 | +11% |
| University of Connecticut | $52,227 | $67,339 | +29% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Connecticut
Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Connecticut (18 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $64,812 | $62,732 | $86,772 | $25,206 | 0.40 | |
| $64,700 | $82,617 | $125,006 | $13,250 | 0.16 | |
| $56,360 | $74,023 | $81,906 | $26,500 | 0.36 | |
| $67,420 | $71,191 | $112,699 | $21,500 | 0.30 | |
| $17,452 | $52,227 | $67,339 | $22,907 | 0.44 | |
| $20,366 | $52,227 | $67,339 | $22,907 | 0.44 | |
| 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 Connecticut College, approximately 14% 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 68 graduates with reported earnings and 70 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.