Economics at Hamilton College

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.