Economics at Franciscan University of Steubenville

Similar economics programs across Ohio suggest first-year earnings around $51,500—squarely aligned with both state and national medians for this degree. That's a practical starting point, though it trails notably behind what graduates from John Carroll ($65,000) and Oberlin ($61,700) reportedly earn. The estimated $25,000 in debt, while slightly above Ohio's typical economics debt load, translates to a manageable 0.49 debt-to-earnings ratio that most financial advisors would consider reasonable for a bachelor's degree.

The challenge here is uncertainty. With neither earnings nor debt figures reported for this specific program, you're essentially betting that Franciscan's economics graduates will mirror statewide patterns. That's not unreasonable—the school's admission profile and 21% Pell enrollment suggest a fairly typical student body—but it leaves you without the clearer picture that actual outcome data would provide. The gap between peer programs in Ohio (ranging from $51,500 to $65,000) shows how much variation exists even within one state.

For a parent weighing this investment, the estimated figures suggest a workable financial outcome if they materialize, but not an exceptional one. If your student is drawn to Franciscan specifically for its distinctive Catholic mission or campus culture, these projections shouldn't discourage you. But if economics outcomes are the primary driver, consider reaching out to the school directly for placement data or graduate surveys that might offer more concrete evidence of where their economics majors actually land.