Analysis
A starting salary of $51,960 puts Millersville's economics program right at the national median, but what should concern you is what happens next. By year four, earnings drop to $46,054βan 11% decline that runs counter to how early careers typically develop. While estimated debt of $25,782 (based on comparable Pennsylvania programs) creates a manageable 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio initially, that backwards trajectory erodes the financial foundation quickly.
The program sits in the 40th percentile among Pennsylvania economics degrees, trailing the state median of $53,396 and far behind elite options like Penn or Carnegie Mellon. However, that comparison matters less if you're considering Millersville's 89% admission rate and accessibility. The real question is whether this specific program adequately prepares graduates for careers that sustain or grow earningsβsomething the downward trend suggests it may not be doing effectively, at least for the typical graduate we can observe.
Given the earnings decline and middling outcomes relative to Pennsylvania peers, you'll want to investigate what's driving that pattern. Are graduates struggling to land economics-specific roles? Is the local job market limited? Understanding why earnings fall rather than rise would be essential before committing, especially since peer programs in the state typically deliver stronger four-year outcomes.
Where Millersville University of Pennsylvania Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all economics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Millersville University of Pennsylvania graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millersville University of Pennsylvania | $51,960 | $46,054 | -11% |
| University of Pennsylvania | $89,097 | $125,816 | +41% |
| Swarthmore College | $76,944 | $105,566 | +37% |
| Carnegie Mellon University | $86,284 | $94,093 | +9% |
| Lafayette College | $68,164 | $88,504 | +30% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (49 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12,262 | $51,960 | $46,054 | $25,782* | β | |
| $66,104 | $89,097 | $125,816 | $14,000* | 0.16 | |
| $63,829 | $86,284 | $94,093 | $22,020* | 0.26 | |
| $62,412 | $76,944 | $105,566 | $19,500* | 0.25 | |
| $60,663 | $70,967 | $83,676 | $29,000* | 0.41 | |
| $64,772 | $70,946 | $79,134 | $25,888* | 0.36 | |
| National Median | β | $51,722 | β | $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 Millersville University of Pennsylvania, approximately 27% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 16 graduates with reported earnings and 18 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.