Economics at East Tennessee State University

Economics programs in Tennessee span a remarkable range, from Vanderbilt's $84,000 earners to UT-Knoxville's $46,000 outcomes. Based on comparable programs statewide, ETSU's economics graduates likely earn around $58,000 in their first year—putting them near the state median and above the national benchmark. That's a solid start for a degree from an accessible institution with an 87% admission rate.

The estimated debt load of $21,650 creates a manageable 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly four months' worth of their first-year salary. This sits right in line with what peer economics programs typically produce nationally ($22,816 median debt). For middle-class families especially—ETSU serves a significant population of Pell grant recipients—this relatively modest borrowing requirement matters.

The challenge is that these figures come from similar programs rather than ETSU's specific graduates, so there's inherent uncertainty about whether this particular program matches its peers. What we know for certain is that ETSU's economics degree appears positioned in the productive middle tier of Tennessee programs—well behind elite private options like Vanderbilt or Sewanee, but the estimated earnings suggest stronger outcomes than the state's flagship university. If your student thrives in smaller-city settings and values accessibility alongside reasonable financial returns, the projected numbers support serious consideration.