Economics at Florida State University

FSU's economics program positions graduates right at Florida's median but trails the national average by about $4,400 in first-year earnings. While that 32nd percentile ranking nationally might seem underwhelming for a selective institution with strong academic credentials, the trajectory tells a more interesting story. Four years out, earnings jump 31% to nearly $62,000—solid growth that helps graduates steadily close the gap with peers from higher-earning programs.

The real advantage here is the debt picture. At $17,625, FSU economics majors graduate owing roughly $4,000 less than the state median and $5,000 less than the national benchmark. That 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio means you're borrowing less than five months of your starting salary—very manageable compared to what many economics programs require. The combination of below-average starting earnings and well-below-average debt creates reasonable financial breathing room early in your career.

For Florida families, this program sits squarely in the middle of the pack among state options, performing identically to the median. You're not getting the premium that comes with Tampa's economics program, but you're also not taking on significantly more debt for marginally better outcomes. If your child is choosing FSU for other reasons—campus fit, academic rigor, or broader opportunities—the economics program won't derail their finances, though it won't accelerate them either.