Economics at Longwood University

Virginia economics programs suggest first-year earnings around $55,000—right where Longwood's program likely lands based on comparable schools in the state. With estimated debt of $22,000, you're looking at a manageable 40-cent debt burden for every dollar earned, which tracks closely with both state and national medians for economics degrees. This puts the program squarely in the middle of the pack financially.

The challenge is context. Elite Virginia programs like UVA and Washington and Lee produce economics graduates earning $70,000-plus out of the gate, while even mid-tier public options like James Madison push past $62,000. If your child is capable of gaining admission to those programs—and many Longwood admits likely could, given the school's 85% acceptance rate—the earnings gap becomes meaningful over time. That said, Longwood's accessible admissions and reasonable debt load make it a viable path for students who need a four-year degree without stretching financially or academically.

The real question is whether economics specifically makes sense here. With limited graduate data (the Department of Education suppresses outcomes when samples are too small), you're betting on peer program performance rather than Longwood's demonstrated track record in this major. If your child is set on economics, stronger programs exist at similar public price points. If they're open to related fields where Longwood has a clearer identity, that might be the safer bet.