Economics at George Washington University

George Washington's economics program outperforms most schools nationally but sits squarely in the middle tier within DC's competitive landscape. At $67,684 starting out, graduates earn 31% more than the national median for economics majors, placing this program in the 89th percentile nationwide. However, that same figure ranks only 60th percentile among DC programs—unsurprising given Georgetown's proximity and its economics grads earning $84,460 right out of the gate. The manageable debt load of $23,250 means students can pay off about a third of what they owe with their first year's salary, which is reasonable for any program.

The real strength here is trajectory: earnings climb to nearly $81,000 by year four, a solid 20% bump that suggests the degree opens doors beyond entry-level roles. GW's location matters—being in DC provides direct access to think tanks, federal agencies, and consulting firms that actively recruit economics talent. While you're not getting Georgetown prestige or outcomes, you're also not paying Georgetown-level tuition bills if your child qualifies for any institutional aid.

For families weighing options, this comes down to whether DC-specific opportunities justify the cost over a strong state school economics program elsewhere. If your child wants to work in policy, international organizations, or government-adjacent roles where DC connections matter, GW delivers value. If they're targeting finance in New York or tech on the West Coast, the premium over cheaper alternatives becomes harder to justify.