Economics at Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia

Pennsylvania economics programs typically produce graduates earning around $53,000 in their first year—a figure this program appears to match based on statewide peer data. The estimated debt of $26,368 creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.5, suggesting graduates could reasonably pay off loans within a few years if they remain in economics-related roles.

What makes this picture more encouraging is the four-year earnings figure of $84,681—actual reported data showing substantial income growth for this cohort. That's a significant jump that outpaces many comparable Pennsylvania programs and suggests the Saint Joseph's credential carries real market value in the mid-Atlantic region. While the first-year estimate puts this program in line with state peers rather than standouts like Penn or Carnegie Mellon, the four-year number indicates strong career trajectory for graduates who stick with the field.

The challenge is that both debt and initial earnings figures are estimates drawn from similar programs rather than this specific cohort's outcomes. For a family weighing a $100,000+ investment in a private university education, that means you're making decisions with less precision than ideal. The four-year earnings data provides the most concrete evidence that Saint Joseph's economics graduates achieve solid mid-career outcomes, but whether that justifies the upfront cost depends heavily on your child's career ambitions and alternative options.