Economics at Georgetown University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Georgetown economics graduates earn $84,460 in their first year—about 63% more than the typical economics graduate nationally and 25% above the median for DC schools. That $16,500 in median debt translates to just 20 cents owed for every dollar earned, making this one of the more financially sensible economics programs in the country. The gap widens further by year four, when Georgetown grads earn $92,475 compared to the national median of roughly $52,000.
Within DC, Georgetown ranks in the 60th percentile among economics programs, trailing the top earner (George Washington at $67,684 in this dataset) but still delivering strong outcomes. The relatively low debt load—about $6,400 below the DC median—gives Georgetown an edge in the overall value equation. For a program at a highly selective school (13% admission rate), the combination of immediate earning power and manageable debt is noteworthy.
The 10% earnings growth over four years is modest but steady, and the first-year salary alone justifies the investment. For families weighing Georgetown's sticker price against state school alternatives, these graduates are entering the workforce with both competitive earnings and breathing room on repayment. The program delivers particularly well for students targeting finance, consulting, or policy careers in DC's professional economy.
Where Georgetown University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all economics bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Georgetown University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Georgetown University graduates earn $84k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all economics bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in District of Columbia
Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in District of Columbia (9 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgetown University | $84,460 | $92,475 | $16,500 | 0.20 |
| George Washington University | $67,684 | $80,898 | $23,250 | 0.34 |
| American University | $58,151 | $69,607 | $22,625 | 0.39 |
| National Median | $51,722 | — | $22,816 | 0.44 |
Other Economics Programs in District of Columbia
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across District of Columbia schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| George Washington University Washington | $64,990 | $67,684 | $23,250 |
| American University Washington | $56,543 | $58,151 | $22,625 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Georgetown University, approximately 10% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 91 graduates with reported earnings and 85 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.