Economics at Radford University

Radford's economics program lags behind both state and national benchmarks, with graduates earning about $10,000 less than typical Virginia economics majors and ranking in just the 25th percentile among the state's 28 programs. Four years out, the gap narrows only slightly—when Radford grads are earning $52,587, their peers at JMU are pulling in $62,286, and UVA economics graduates earn over $74,000. The debt load of $26,000 is reasonable and slightly above state norms, but the real issue is what you're earning relative to that debt.

The 16% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests some upward trajectory, and the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 means graduates aren't drowning in payments. However, the small sample size here (under 30 graduates) makes these numbers less reliable than data from larger programs. With an admission rate above 90% and below-average SAT scores, Radford serves a different student population than Virginia's flagship economics programs, which may partly explain the earnings gap.

If your child is set on economics and considering Virginia schools, this program sits near the bottom of the state's options. The modest debt helps, but starting $10,000 behind the state median compounds over a career. Unless there are compelling reasons to choose Radford specifically—location, fit, or other opportunities—stronger economics programs exist elsewhere in Virginia at comparable public university price points.