Analysis
A first-year salary around $51,500 paired with $25,000 in debt creates a manageable starting point for Loyola Maryland economics graduates, though these figures come from comparable programs across Maryland rather than this school's specific outcomes. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49 suggests graduates could theoretically pay off loans in about six months of gross income—a workable scenario for most families, especially for a liberal arts degree that opens doors across finance, consulting, and policy sectors.
The challenge is context. Top Maryland programs like Johns Hopkins and University of Maryland-College Park report substantially higher earnings for their economics graduates—$78,000 and $59,000 respectively—while similar Baltimore-area competitors achieve comparable outcomes. Given Loyola's 76% admission rate and relatively accessible profile, the estimated $51,500 figure seems reasonable but unexceptional. Economics majors typically need strong internships and quantitative skills to compete for higher-paying roles, and it's unclear whether Loyola's program delivers the same pipeline access as flagship state schools or elite privates.
For families paying full freight at Loyola, the estimated returns suggest this won't be a home-run investment. The debt load is moderate, and economics remains versatile enough to justify the cost if your student capitalizes on Baltimore's proximity to DC opportunities. Just understand you're working with peer-program estimates here, not proven outcomes from this specific school.
Where Loyola University Maryland Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all economics bachelors's programs nationally
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $55,480 | $51,483* | — | $25,000* | — | |
| $63,340 | $78,181* | $108,040 | $12,494* | 0.16 | |
| $11,505 | $58,650* | $72,814 | $20,097* | 0.34 | |
| $12,952 | $54,859* | $68,275 | $21,920* | 0.40 | |
| $15,236 | $51,483* | $61,048 | $24,946* | 0.48 | |
| $11,306 | $50,910* | $60,328 | $18,838* | 0.37 | |
| 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 Loyola University Maryland, approximately 18% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 7 similar programs in MD. Actual outcomes may vary.