Economics at Hendrix College

Hendrix College's economics program lands squarely in the middle for Arkansas—40th percentile statewide—but falls behind the national pack. That first-year salary of $40,445 trails the national median for economics majors by more than $11,000, though it nearly catches up by year four with strong 47% growth. The program does deliver one clear advantage: manageable debt at $27,000, which is actually lower than both state and national medians for economics degrees.

The small sample size here matters—we're looking at fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes can swing these numbers significantly. Still, the pattern suggests graduates start behind their peers at larger state universities but experience solid career progression. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.67 means students would need about two-thirds of their first-year salary to pay off loans, which is reasonable by today's standards.

For Arkansas families, this program represents a serviceable in-state option that won't burden students with excessive debt, but it's worth noting that University of Central Arkansas produces similar first-year outcomes at likely lower cost. If your child is drawn to Hendrix's small liberal arts environment (1,336 SAT average suggests a strong peer group), the economics degree won't derail their finances, but they shouldn't expect the premium earnings that top economics programs deliver.