Economics at Minnesota State University-Mankato

Minnesota State University-Mankato's economics program shows solid fundamentals despite incomplete earnings data. With debt of $21,474—below both the state median ($24,600) and national median ($22,816)—and estimated first-year earnings around $56,570 based on comparable Minnesota economics programs, graduates face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38. By year four, median earnings reach $62,868, suggesting steady early-career growth.

The estimated first-year figure aligns with Minnesota's state median for economics programs and exceeds the national benchmark ($51,722) by nearly $5,000. While we can't compare Mankato's actual outcomes to top Minnesota programs like Carleton ($66,567) or St. Thomas ($60,323), the debt advantage is real—Mankato graduates typically borrow $3,000-$8,000 less than peers at comparable state institutions. For an economics degree from a school with a 91% acceptance rate, that combination of accessible admission and controlled borrowing matters.

The caveat is that first-year earnings are derived from state-wide patterns, not Mankato-specific data, so your student's actual starting salary could vary. However, the lower debt load creates breathing room if early earnings fall short of estimates. For families prioritizing value in an economics education without the price tag of private colleges, this program offers a practical pathway with reasonable financial risk.