Analysis
John Carroll's economics graduates are earning substantially more than they might expect from most Ohio programs—about $13,500 above the state median and nearly $7,000 above Kenyon College graduates. At the 80th percentile statewide, this program punches above its weight at a school with an 81% admission rate, producing earnings comparable to more selective institutions while keeping debt remarkably low at just $27,000 (well below both state and national medians).
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 means graduates owe less than half their first-year salary, which typically translates to manageable monthly payments and financial flexibility after graduation. Earnings show modest but steady growth to nearly $68,000 by year four, suggesting graduates are building solid career momentum rather than hitting an early ceiling.
The significant caveat: these figures come from a small sample of under 30 graduates, so individual outcomes may vary more than at larger programs. That said, the combination of strong earnings, low debt, and consistent performance makes this an attractive option for families considering economics programs in Ohio. Your child would be entering a program that appears to deliver competitive career outcomes without the debt burden that often accompanies private university education.
Where John Carroll University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all economics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How John Carroll University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Carroll University | $65,098 | $67,845 | +4% |
| Miami University-Oxford | $57,379 | $80,452 | +40% |
| Kenyon College | $58,082 | $75,347 | +30% |
| University of Cincinnati-Main Campus | $58,590 | $70,663 | +21% |
| Denison University | $55,087 | $69,793 | +27% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (42 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 John Carroll UniversityUniversity Heights | $49,100 | $65,098 | $67,845 | $27,000 | 0.41 |
 Oberlin CollegeOberlin | $64,646 | $61,713 | $64,495 | $25,000 | 0.41 |
 University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati | $13,570 | $58,590 | $70,663 | $21,264 | 0.36 |
 Kenyon CollegeGambier | $69,330 | $58,082 | $75,347 | $18,718 | 0.32 |
 Miami University-OxfordOxford | $17,809 | $57,379 | $80,452 | $25,500 | 0.44 |
 Kent State University at KentKent | $12,846 | $56,731 | — | $25,000 | 0.44 |
| 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 John Carroll University, approximately 20% 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 19 graduates with reported earnings and 24 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.