Economics at Kenyon College

Kenyon's economics program launches graduates into solid starting salaries—$58,082 in the first year—that climb impressively to over $75,000 by year four. That 30% earnings growth suggests graduates are building valuable career momentum, not just treading water. While the program ranks in the 60th percentile among Ohio economics programs, it's worth noting that Ohio's competitive economics landscape includes several strong state universities with different cost structures. Against the national benchmark of $51,722, Kenyon's graduates earn about 12% more right out of the gate.

The debt picture looks quite favorable. At $18,718, it's well below both state and national medians (which hover around $23,000), and the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 means graduates owe less than four months of their first year's salary. For context, many financial aid experts consider anything under 1.0 manageable, and Kenyon's ratio suggests students can realistically pay down loans while building savings. The caveat: only 10% of Kenyon students receive Pell grants, so these outcomes may reflect a student body that arrives with financial advantages beyond the college's control.

For families who can afford Kenyon's private school tuition without taking on crushing debt, this economics program delivers strong returns with steady career progression. The moderate debt loads and robust earnings growth four years out suggest graduates are finding their footing in competitive fields.