Economics at Loras College

Based on comparable economics programs in Iowa, Loras graduates can expect first-year earnings around $49,000—right at the state median and just shy of the national benchmark of $52,000. The estimated debt load of $24,000 translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49, meaning graduates would owe roughly half their first-year salary. While these figures aren't specific to Loras due to small cohort sizes, they align with what similar Iowa programs produce, suggesting a reasonably standard outcome for the state.

The challenge is that this estimated earning power falls well below what Iowa State delivers ($58,000) and matches programs like Northern Iowa and Coe College. For a private college where tuition runs significantly higher than public alternatives, you'd hope to see Loras economics grads either earning more or owing less. The 92% admission rate and modest Pell enrollment suggest this isn't a highly selective program drawing top academic talent, which may explain why outcomes track closer to state averages than elite benchmarks.

The financial picture isn't alarming—that debt level is manageable on a $49,000 salary—but it's worth comparing the total cost of attendance at Loras versus Iowa's public universities. If your child is paying significantly more to attend here, those extra tuition dollars aren't translating into measurably better career outcomes based on what peer programs show. The small class sizes that lead to data suppression might offer educational benefits, but financially, this looks like a middle-of-the-road investment.