Economics at Hamilton College
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Hamilton's economics program punches well above its weight, with first-year earnings of $71,350 placing it in the 94th percentile nationally and 80th percentile among New York programs—ahead of much larger universities. The debt picture makes it even more compelling: at just $18,250, graduates carry 20% less debt than the state median while earning 42% more. That 0.26 debt-to-earnings ratio means a graduate earning around $71,000 could theoretically pay off their debt in about three months of gross earnings.
The 32% earnings jump to $94,218 by year four suggests these graduates are landing roles with real advancement potential, not just entry-level positions. Among New York's elite liberal arts colleges, Hamilton holds its own—its year-four earnings trail only Barnard, Cornell, Columbia, Vassar, and Colgate. Given that most of these competitors carry similar or higher debt loads, Hamilton's combination of strong placement and manageable debt stands out.
The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) is worth noting but doesn't undermine the pattern here. For families concerned about both career outcomes and debt burden, Hamilton's economics program delivers a rare combination: elite-level earning power without the financial stress that often accompanies it.
Where Hamilton College 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 Hamilton College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Hamilton College graduates earn $71k, placing them in the 94th 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 New York
Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (74 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hamilton College | $71,350 | $94,218 | $18,250 | 0.26 |
| Barnard College | $85,860 | $103,309 | $16,750 | 0.20 |
| Cornell University | $84,967 | $107,248 | $15,500 | 0.18 |
| Columbia University in the City of New York | $83,135 | $117,355 | $25,000 | 0.30 |
| Vassar College | $79,845 | $81,561 | $19,000 | 0.24 |
| Colgate University | $77,274 | $103,456 | $17,500 | 0.23 |
| National Median | $51,722 | — | $22,816 | 0.44 |
Other Economics Programs in New York
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New York schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barnard College New York | $66,246 | $85,860 | $16,750 |
| Cornell University Ithaca | $66,014 | $84,967 | $15,500 |
| Columbia University in the City of New York New York | $69,045 | $83,135 | $25,000 |
| Vassar College Poughkeepsie | $67,805 | $79,845 | $19,000 |
| Colgate University Hamilton | $67,024 | $77,274 | $17,500 |
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 Hamilton College, approximately 18% 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 60 graduates with reported earnings and 64 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.