Economics at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

RPI's Economics program shows strong mid-career momentum that's harder to assess in year one. By year four, graduates earn $86,862—well above both the national median ($51,722) and New York's benchmark ($50,058), placing this program among the stronger economics degrees in the state. However, the first-year figure of $50,059 is an estimate based on comparable New York programs, not actual RPI graduate outcomes, making it difficult to judge the program's true launch trajectory.

The estimated debt load of $25,000 translates to a 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio against that first-year estimate—a manageable starting point if the actual outcomes align with peer programs. What matters more is that fourth-year number, which suggests RPI economics graduates find their footing relatively quickly. The school's technical reputation and strong SAT averages (1415) may give economics majors credibility in finance and data-heavy roles that other liberal arts economics programs struggle to access.

The big caveat: without reported first-year data specific to RPI, you're betting that this program follows the typical New York pattern rather than RPI's own track record. If your child is drawn to economics at a tech-focused school and the fourth-year earnings reflect genuine upward mobility rather than outliers, the debt burden looks reasonable. Just recognize you're making that judgment without the full picture of how RPI's specific program performs out of the gate.