Economics at Drury University

Based on comparable economics programs in Missouri, this degree suggests earnings around $47,000 in the first year—right at the state median but trailing the national benchmark by roughly $5,000. The estimated debt load of $24,000 produces a manageable 0.52 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe about half their first-year salary. That's a workable starting point, though it assumes the actual outcomes for Drury's small graduate cohort align with these broader trends.

The earnings figure places this program squarely in the middle of Missouri's economics offerings, well behind Washington University and Mizzou but comparable to what Missouri State produces. For context, the top programs in the state generate first-year earnings ranging from $41,000 to $66,000, suggesting considerable variation in outcomes even within Missouri. The estimated debt is slightly above both state and national medians for economics degrees, which means Drury graduates might be starting with a bit more to pay back than peers elsewhere.

The practical question is whether mid-market economics outcomes justify choosing a smaller private university over larger state alternatives that appear to produce similar or better earnings. If Drury offers meaningful advantages—smaller classes, stronger career services, or better faculty connections—that could tip the equation. But with both figures estimated from peer programs rather than actual Drury data, you're essentially betting that this specific program performs at least as well as the Missouri average.