Economics at Earlham College

Based on comparable economics programs in Indiana, Earlham appears to position students near the state median for first-year earnings at around $58,000—slightly above the national benchmark but trailing more prominent programs like Notre Dame and DePauw. The estimated debt of roughly $27,000 yields a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46, meaning graduates would owe less than half their first-year salary. That's reasonable leverage for a bachelor's degree, though it's worth noting that similar programs in Indiana typically carry somewhat less debt at graduation.

The challenge here is that the data comes entirely from peer institutions rather than Earlham's own graduates, making it difficult to assess whether this particular program delivers distinctive value. Indiana's economics landscape is competitive, with state flagships and selective liberal arts colleges producing outcomes that cluster fairly tightly. Earlham's 74% admission rate and modest Pell Grant population suggest it serves a different student profile than ultra-selective alternatives, but without program-specific outcomes, you're essentially betting that Earlham's economics education will match the state median rather than fall below it.

For a family considering this investment, the key question is whether Earlham's broader educational environment—small classes, a Quaker emphasis on social responsibility—justifies paying tuition comparable to programs with proven track records. The estimated numbers suggest financial viability, but you'll want direct evidence from current students and recent alumni about actual job placement and graduate school acceptance before committing.