Economics at Lubbock Christian University

Similar economics programs in Texas suggest first-year earnings around $51,000—right at both state and national medians—paired with an estimated $19,500 in debt. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 looks manageable on its face, falling comfortably below the concerning threshold of 1.0 that signals repayment struggles.

But context matters here. The state's top economics programs—Rice, SMU, UT Austin—produce earnings $20,000 to $27,000 higher in that crucial first year. While Lubbock Christian's more accessible admission profile (73% acceptance rate, average SAT of 1086) suggests a different student population, the earnings gap is substantial enough that families should understand they're likely paying similar debt for considerably different earning trajectories. Economics degrees tend to reward program prestige and institutional networks more than many other fields.

The estimated figures here, based on peer programs since this school's graduate cohort is too small to report, point to a workable financial outcome but not a standout one. If your student is considering this program, the calculation turns on what else they're weighing: Are they comparing it to much pricier options where the debt would erase any earnings advantage? Do they have strong personal or geographic reasons to attend? At roughly $20,000 in debt for median-level economics earnings, the numbers suggest this won't be a financial disaster—but don't expect it to be a clear financial win either.