Economics at New York University

NYU's economics program significantly outearns both state and national benchmarks, placing graduates at $88,000 by year four—that's 76% above the national median and well ahead of most NY schools. The 28% earnings growth trajectory suggests strong market demand, and at $21,250 in debt (slightly below state median), the debt burden is manageable relative to those outcomes. Among New York's 74 economics programs, this ranks in the 80th percentile for earnings, trailing only the most elite liberal arts colleges and Ivy League schools.

The value proposition here is real, though it comes with important context. That $68,495 starting salary beats 90% of economics programs nationally, but it's precisely what you'd expect given NYU's selectivity (9% admission rate) and the premium employers place on its brand in finance and consulting. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31 means graduates earn back their loans in roughly four months—hardly a financial burden for someone clearing nearly $70,000 fresh out of school.

For families who can handle NYU's sticker price without catastrophic debt, this program delivers. The data shows graduates competing directly with Cornell and Columbia alumni in the job market, which makes sense given Wall Street's proximity. Just understand that this outcome reflects both the program's quality and the caliber of students admitted (1527 average SAT). Strong students will thrive here; the economics degree opens doors that justify the investment.