Analysis
Gordon College's economics program appears positioned right at Massachusetts' middle ground, with comparable programs typically producing first-year earnings around $57,000—well above the national median for economics degrees. The estimated $24,500 in debt is substantial but manageable given the field's earning potential, resulting in a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43 that suggests graduates could reasonably tackle their loans.
What's worth noting is the wide spread among Massachusetts economics programs. While elite institutions like Harvard and Amherst place graduates into six-figure starting salaries, Gordon's peer programs cluster much closer to the state median. The question isn't whether economics is viable—it clearly is, with strong earning potential compared to many bachelor's degrees—but whether the specific career networks and recruiting pipelines available through Gordon match those higher outcomes, or whether graduates should expect the more typical mid-$50,000 trajectory.
For families choosing Gordon, the real consideration is fit versus alternatives. If your child thrives in Gordon's smaller, faith-based environment and that setting supports their academic success, the economics program's estimated outcomes suggest solid financial footing after graduation. But if prestige-driven recruiting matters for their career goals, understand that Gordon likely won't open the same corporate doors as the state's top-tier programs, even with comparable debt loads.
Where Gordon College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all economics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (38 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $28,100 | $57,299* | — | $24,500* | — | |
| $59,076 | $103,993* | $124,570 | $6,617* | 0.06 | |
| $67,280 | $90,568* | $127,636 | $16,662* | 0.18 | |
| $64,320 | $86,367* | $91,749 | $11,190* | 0.13 | |
| $64,860 | $80,888* | $115,082 | $12,925* | 0.16 | |
| $67,844 | $75,125* | $105,444 | $17,850* | 0.24 | |
| National Median | — | $51,722* | — | $22,816* | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with economics graduates
Economists
Environmental Economists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
Search Marketing Strategists
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Survey Researchers
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 Gordon College, approximately 21% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 21 similar programs in MA. Actual outcomes may vary.