Analysis
Johns Hopkins economics graduates earn $78,181 in their first year—about $20,000 more than the next-best Maryland school and 51% above the national median. With just $12,494 in typical debt, the financial equation here is exceptional. This program sits in the 95th percentile both nationally and within Maryland, and the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.16 means graduates can realistically pay off their loans in a matter of months rather than years.
The trajectory looks equally strong. By year four, median earnings climb to $108,040, representing 38% growth. Compare that to the much flatter earnings curves typical at other Maryland economics programs. That sustained momentum suggests Hopkins' combination of analytical rigor and Baltimore proximity to Washington, D.C. finance and policy jobs creates genuine career advantages, not just prestigious first placements.
The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) means individual outcomes vary, but the core story remains clear: this is one of the most financially successful economics programs in the state, with debt levels that make it accessible even for families without substantial resources. The 8% admission rate is the real barrier here, not the debt burden afterward.
Where Johns Hopkins University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all economics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Johns Hopkins 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Johns Hopkins University | $78,181 | $108,040 | +38% |
| University of Maryland-College Park | $58,650 | $72,814 | +24% |
| Washington College | $50,835 | $68,636 | +35% |
| University of Maryland-Baltimore County | $54,859 | $68,275 | +24% |
| St. Mary's College of Maryland | $51,483 | $61,048 | +19% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Maryland
Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maryland (16 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore | $63,340 | $78,181 | $108,040 | $12,494 | 0.16 |
 University of Maryland-College ParkCollege Park | $11,505 | $58,650 | $72,814 | $20,097 | 0.34 |
 University of Maryland-Baltimore CountyBaltimore | $12,952 | $54,859 | $68,275 | $21,920 | 0.40 |
 St. Mary's College of MarylandSt. Mary's City | $15,236 | $51,483 | $61,048 | $24,946 | 0.48 |
 Towson UniversityTowson | $11,306 | $50,910 | $60,328 | $18,838 | 0.37 |
 Washington CollegeChestertown | $54,356 | $50,835 | $68,636 | $27,000 | 0.53 |
| 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 Johns Hopkins 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 46 graduates with reported earnings and 52 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.