Economics at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte

Borrowing an estimated $19,500 for an economics degree that produces around $46,425 in first-year earnings—based on what similar bachelor's programs in North Carolina typically deliver—creates a manageable debt burden. That 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio means your child would owe roughly five months' salary, which is reasonable by current standards and well below the national median debt for economics programs.

The challenge lies in the earnings trajectory. While comparable North Carolina economics programs suggest starting salaries in the mid-$40s, the state's top performers demonstrate the field's potential: Duke graduates earn over $98,000, UNC-Chapel Hill graduates clear $65,000, and even East Carolina matches this program's estimated outcome. Johnson & Wales serves a different population—52% receive Pell grants and the average SAT is 1015—but the gap between estimated performance here and at state flagships raises questions about whether this particular economics program positions students for the field's better opportunities.

The limited data also matters. When the Department of Education suppresses figures due to small graduate cohorts, you're working with less certainty about outcomes. For an economics degree specifically—where internships, alumni networks, and graduate school placement often determine career trajectories—you'll need to dig into what Johnson & Wales-Charlotte actually offers beyond the classroom. The debt looks fine, but make sure the program's resources justify choosing it over lower-cost state options or more established economics programs in the region.