Economics at Moravian University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Moravian's economics program lands squarely in the middle of Pennsylvania's competitive economics landscape, with graduates earning $53,999—slightly above both state and national medians but well below what top PA programs deliver. The 60th percentile ranking within Pennsylvania tells you this program performs adequately but unremarkably; graduates earn about $35,000 less than peers from Penn or Carnegie Mellon, though those comparisons may not be entirely fair given Moravian's different mission and student profile. At $26,848 in debt—one of the lowest loads you'll find for any bachelor's program—the math works comfortably, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50 that should allow for manageable repayment.
The catch here is sample size: fewer than 30 recent graduates means these numbers could swing significantly year to year. A few students landing particularly good or bad outcomes can skew the entire picture. What you're seeing is probably directionally correct—this is a decent program that won't bury your child in debt—but don't treat these exact figures as gospel. For a family focused on minimizing debt while still pursuing economics, Moravian offers a practical path. For a student chasing maximum earning potential and willing to handle more financial risk, the gap between this and PA's elite programs is substantial enough to warrant careful consideration of alternatives.
Where Moravian University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all economics bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Moravian University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Moravian University graduates earn $54k, placing them in the 58th percentile of all economics bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (49 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moravian University | $53,999 | — | $26,848 | 0.50 |
| University of Pennsylvania | $89,097 | $125,816 | $14,000 | 0.16 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | $86,284 | $94,093 | $22,020 | 0.26 |
| Swarthmore College | $76,944 | $105,566 | $19,500 | 0.25 |
| Drexel University | $70,967 | $83,676 | $29,000 | 0.41 |
| Bucknell University | $70,946 | $79,134 | $25,888 | 0.36 |
| National Median | $51,722 | — | $22,816 | 0.44 |
Other Economics Programs in Pennsylvania
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia | $66,104 | $89,097 | $14,000 |
| Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh | $63,829 | $86,284 | $22,020 |
| Swarthmore College Swarthmore | $62,412 | $76,944 | $19,500 |
| Drexel University Philadelphia | $60,663 | $70,967 | $29,000 |
| Bucknell University Lewisburg | $64,772 | $70,946 | $25,888 |
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 Moravian University, 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 21 graduates with reported earnings and 26 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.