Economics at Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion

Similar economics programs at Indiana private universities suggest first-year earnings around $58,000—a figure that lands squarely in the middle of what Indiana schools typically produce for this degree. The estimated $27,000 in debt creates a manageable 0.46 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly half their first year's salary. That's lighter than many bachelor's programs, though it's worth noting this debt figure runs about $3,500 higher than the typical Indiana economics graduate carries.

The challenge here is context: we're working with estimates drawn from peer programs because this specific cohort is too small for the Department of Education to report. That means we don't know if Indiana Wesleyan's program performs above or below these state averages. What we do know is that Indiana economics degrees generally produce solid outcomes—the state median matches the estimated figure here and sits comfortably above the $51,700 national benchmark. The state's flagship programs at Notre Dame, Purdue, and IU demonstrate that Indiana employers value economics graduates.

For an anxious parent, the estimated numbers suggest reasonable financial footing, but you're buying into uncertainty. If your student thrives in smaller environments and the school's fit is strong, the projected debt load won't be crushing. Just understand you're making this decision without knowing whether this particular program tracks closer to Ball State's $57,000 outcomes or falls below them.