Economics at Point Loma Nazarene University

Economics programs in California show dramatic earnings variation—from Stanford's $98,000+ to state medians around $51,000—and Point Loma's program appears to track closer to the middle of the pack. Based on comparable programs in California, graduates can expect first-year earnings near $51,200 and debt around $21,500. That 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio sits comfortably in manageable territory, meaning debt payments shouldn't dominate early-career budgets.

The challenge here is knowing where Point Loma specifically lands within California's wide spectrum. The school's 82% admission rate and solid SAT scores suggest it operates in a different tier than Berkeley or the Claremont Colleges, where economics degrees command substantially higher starting salaries. Similar programs at California private universities typically produce outcomes in this $50,000 range, but you're investing in a school where nearly a quarter of students receive Pell grants—indicating more economic diversity than the state's elite programs.

For parents wondering about ROI, the estimated debt load is reasonable enough that this degree won't become a financial anchor. However, the uncertainty around Point Loma's specific outcomes means you're betting on peer performance rather than proven results. If your child is seriously considering economics, request career placement data directly from the university and compare job outcomes to similar regional private schools before committing.