Economics at Florida International University

FIU's economics program starts graduates at a notable disadvantage—that $42,314 first-year salary trails the national median by nearly $10,000 and sits in just the 16th percentile nationally. Among Florida's 23 economics programs, it ranks dead center at the state median, meaning half the state's programs deliver better immediate outcomes. Students graduate with $21,500 in debt, which is typical but still represents about half their first-year salary when many face high Miami living costs.

The compelling part of this story is what happens next. Earnings jump 55% by year four to reach $65,515—a trajectory that ultimately surpasses not just the state median but also beats programs at Tampa, FAU, and UCF over the same timeframe. This pattern suggests FIU economics graduates either need time to break into better roles or pursue additional credentials that eventually pay off. For a family where $21,500 in debt is manageable, this could work out well. But that rough first year matters: graduates may struggle with loan payments, delay career moves to higher-cost-of-living cities, or face pressure to take the first job offer rather than holding out for better opportunities.

The key question is whether your student can weather that initial period. If they have financial support or flexible living arrangements for those early years, the four-year earnings make this program competitive. Without that cushion, the slow start becomes a real problem.