Analysis
Ohio economics bachelor's programs show considerable variation in outcomes, with graduates from top-performing schools earning $10,000-15,000 more in their first year than the state median. Based on comparable programs in Ohio, this degree carries an estimated $25,000 in debt—slightly above the state median of $23,125—while first-year earnings appear to track right at the state's midpoint of roughly $51,500. With limited graduate sample sizes preventing actual outcome reporting, these estimates suggest this program lands in the middle of Ohio's economics offerings rather than among the state's strongest performers like John Carroll or Oberlin.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49 means borrowing about half a year's salary, which is manageable but not exceptional. Similar programs in Ohio typically produce this level of debt burden, so there's nothing alarming here—but also little evidence of standout value. The challenge is that without actual outcomes data, you're essentially betting that this specific program performs at the state average rather than matching the stronger results seen at peer liberal arts colleges like Kenyon (where graduates earn $58,000) or Oberlin (where they earn $62,000).
For an economics degree at this price point, you'd ideally see either lower debt or earnings trending above the state median. Since neither appears to be the case based on comparable programs, treat this as a solid but unremarkable option—worth serious consideration only if Ohio Wesleyan offers specific advantages in fit, faculty mentorship, or career placement that aren't captured in these statewide estimates.
Where Ohio Wesleyan University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all economics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (42 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $52,357 | $51,537* | — | $25,000* | — | |
| $49,100 | $65,098* | $67,845 | $27,000* | 0.41 | |
| $64,646 | $61,713* | $64,495 | $25,000* | 0.41 | |
| $13,570 | $58,590* | $70,663 | $21,264* | 0.36 | |
| $69,330 | $58,082* | $75,347 | $18,718* | 0.32 | |
| $17,809 | $57,379* | $80,452 | $25,500* | 0.44 | |
| 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 Ohio Wesleyan University, approximately 25% 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 18 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.