Economics at Purdue University-Main Campus

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.