Analysis
Based on comparable economics programs in Connecticut, Sacred Heart graduates likely start around $52,000βa figure that jumps to $84,000 by year four. That trajectory matters more than the initial number, especially when debt sits at $23,250, which means roughly five months of first-year earnings to clear the balance. The 0.45 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable repayment from the start.
The four-year earnings jump is the real signal here. While peer programs at Yale ($83,000) and Fairfield ($74,000) show higher starting salaries, Sacred Heart's reported mid-career figure essentially catches up, suggesting the program prepares students for similar long-term opportunities despite a more modest launch. Connecticut's economics landscape is competitiveβ18 programs serving a finance-heavy job marketβbut the state median aligns exactly with Sacred Heart's estimated starting point, indicating the program meets regional standards.
The debt picture looks reasonable against both national benchmarks ($22,816 median) and state averages ($22,907), landing at the 46th percentile nationally. For a private university charging tuition well above public alternatives, keeping debt near the median while delivering earnings that nearly double within four years represents solid value. The key is that mid-career figureβit's actual reported data, not estimated, showing graduates do advance. If your child plans to work in Connecticut's financial corridor, this program offers a credible path without crushing debt.
Where Sacred Heart University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all economics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sacred Heart University | β | $84,096 | β |
| Yale University | $82,617 | $125,006 | +51% |
| Trinity College | $71,191 | $112,699 | +58% |
| Connecticut College | $62,732 | $86,772 | +38% |
| Fairfield University | $74,023 | $81,906 | +11% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Connecticut
Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Connecticut (18 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $48,460 | $52,227* | $84,096 | $23,250 | β | |
| $64,700 | $82,617* | $125,006 | $13,250 | 0.16 | |
| $56,360 | $74,023* | $81,906 | $26,500 | 0.36 | |
| $67,420 | $71,191* | $112,699 | $21,500 | 0.30 | |
| $64,812 | $62,732* | $86,772 | $25,206 | 0.40 | |
| $20,366 | $52,227* | $67,339 | $22,907 | 0.44 | |
| National Median | β | $51,722* | β | $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 Sacred Heart University, approximately 15% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 11 similar programs in CT. Actual outcomes may vary.