Analysis
Based on comparable economics programs in Indiana, Manchester's estimated first-year earnings of $57,962 suggest graduates land squarely in the middle of the state's range—above the national median but trailing Indiana's flagship universities and elite liberal arts colleges. The estimated debt load of $26,938 is moderate but higher than both state and national benchmarks for economics degrees, though the resulting debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 remains manageable by conventional standards.
What complicates this picture is the inherent uncertainty. With 91% of applicants admitted and 44% of students receiving Pell grants, Manchester serves a broader population than some comparison schools, which could mean different career trajectories than those reflected in statewide medians. The actual outcomes for Manchester's economics graduates may vary considerably from these peer-derived estimates—either because the school's specific industry connections and alumni network produce stronger results, or because graduates face different regional employment realities.
The estimated numbers suggest a defensible investment if your child is committed to economics and values Manchester's environment, but the lack of school-specific data means you're navigating with limited visibility. Before committing, press the school directly for placement outcomes, typical employers, and graduate school acceptance rates—information that can fill in what federal data cannot.
Where Manchester University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all economics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (28 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $37,090 | $57,962* | — | $26,938* | — | |
| $62,693 | $76,299* | $100,568 | $19,965* | 0.26 | |
| $57,070 | $63,395* | $87,437 | $26,978* | 0.43 | |
| $9,992 | $59,187* | $65,456 | $24,700* | 0.42 | |
| $11,790 | $59,142* | $74,866 | $20,500* | 0.35 | |
| $10,758 | $56,782* | — | $22,054* | 0.39 | |
| 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 Manchester University, approximately 44% 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 8 similar programs in IN. Actual outcomes may vary.