Economics at DePauw University

DePauw economics graduates earn substantially more than the national median—about $12,000 more in their first year—while carrying manageable debt that sits in the 5th percentile nationally. That 0.43 debt-to-earnings ratio is excellent by any measure. However, the Indiana context reveals a more nuanced picture: at the state median of $58,000, DePauw's $63,395 starting salary represents only a modest premium, ranking 60th percentile among in-state options. You're essentially paying private school tuition for outcomes that land between Indiana's public flagships and mid-tier state schools.

The trajectory looks promising, with earnings jumping 38% to $87,437 by year four—significantly outpacing most public alternatives in the state. DePauw's selective environment (54% acceptance, SAT 1287) clearly opens doors that translate into stronger mid-career outcomes. But the starting salary gap with Indiana's top programs—Notre Dame grads earn $13,000 more right out of the gate—raises the question of whether DePauw's network and placement power justify its likely higher total cost of attendance.

For families comfortable with private school pricing and confident their student will leverage DePauw's alumni network, the low debt burden makes this manageable. But if you're chasing maximum return on investment, Indiana's public flagships deliver comparable first-year outcomes at a fraction of the cost, even if DePauw pulls ahead by year four.