Median Earnings (1yr)
$65,098
85th percentile (80th in OH)
Median Debt
$27,000
18% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.41
Manageable
Sample Size
19
Limited data

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

John Carroll UniversityOther economics programs

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 John Carroll University graduates compare to all programs nationally

John Carroll University graduates earn $65k, placing them in the 85th 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 Ohio

Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (42 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
John Carroll University$65,098$67,845$27,0000.41
Oberlin College$61,713$64,495$25,0000.41
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus$58,590$70,663$21,2640.36
Kenyon College$58,082$75,347$18,7180.32
Miami University-Oxford$57,379$80,452$25,5000.44
Kent State University at Kent$56,731—$25,0000.44
National Median$51,722—$22,8160.44

Other Economics Programs in Ohio

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Oberlin College
Oberlin
$64,646$61,713$25,000
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Cincinnati
$13,570$58,590$21,264
Kenyon College
Gambier
$69,330$58,082$18,718
Miami University-Oxford
Oxford
$17,809$57,379$25,500
Kent State University at Kent
Kent
$12,846$56,731$25,000

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.