Analysis
Purdue's economics program produces graduates who earn well above national standards while keeping debt manageable. At $59,187 in the first year, graduates out-earn 75% of economics programs nationwide and rank solidly in the 60th percentile among Indiana schools—landing squarely between IU-Bloomington and Ball State. The debt load of $24,700 translates to a comfortable 0.42 ratio against first-year earnings, and the 11% earnings bump by year four suggests reasonable career progression.
What stands out is the value proposition relative to cost. While Notre Dame economics grads earn significantly more at $76,299, they likely pay private school tuition for that premium. Purdue delivers competitive outcomes at public school prices, making it a practical choice for families watching their budget. The program sits in a sweet spot: strong enough to compete with Indiana's flagship university but without the debt burden that can accompany private alternatives like DePauw or Wabash.
For an anxious parent, the math here works. Your child would graduate with below-median debt for the field and above-median earning power, creating financial breathing room right out of college. The moderate sample size means these numbers represent a typical graduate experience rather than outlier cases. This is solid career preparation without the financial anxiety that comes with heavy borrowing.
Where Purdue University-Main Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all economics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Purdue University-Main Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purdue University-Main Campus | $59,187 | $65,456 | +11% |
| University of Notre Dame | $76,299 | $100,568 | +32% |
| DePauw University | $63,395 | $87,437 | +38% |
| Indiana University-Bloomington | $59,142 | $74,866 | +27% |
| Hanover College | $45,740 | $65,657 | +44% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (28 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Purdue University-Main CampusWest Lafayette | $9,992 | $59,187 | $65,456 | $24,700 | 0.42 |
 University of Notre DameNotre Dame | $62,693 | $76,299 | $100,568 | $19,965 | 0.26 |
 DePauw UniversityGreencastle | $57,070 | $63,395 | $87,437 | $26,978 | 0.43 |
 Indiana University-BloomingtonBloomington | $11,790 | $59,142 | $74,866 | $20,500 | 0.35 |
 Ball State UniversityMuncie | $10,758 | $56,782 | — | $22,054 | 0.39 |
 Wabash CollegeCrawfordsville | $49,125 | $51,815 | $64,767 | $27,000 | 0.52 |
| 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 Purdue University-Main Campus, approximately 13% 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 38 graduates with reported earnings and 45 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.