Economics at Saint Leo University

A debt load of $26,000 against first-year earnings around $47,000 creates a manageable 0.55 ratio—well within the rule of thumb that keeps monthly payments reasonable. But here's what matters: these figures come from peer Economics programs across Florida, not Saint Leo's specific outcomes. The state's Economics programs cluster tightly in the mid-to-high $40,000s, suggesting Saint Leo likely falls somewhere in this range, though without reported data we can't verify where exactly.

The uncertainty cuts both ways. Saint Leo serves a population where 37% receive Pell grants, often first-generation students who need credentials that deliver. Comparable Florida programs produce earnings roughly $4,400 below the national Economics median, which isn't dramatic but reflects the state's labor market realities. The estimated debt sits above Florida's median for Economics degrees ($21,500), though still below the national figure.

For families weighing this investment, the fundamental question is whether Saint Leo's specific program—its faculty connections, internship pipelines, and alumni network—justifies paying without concrete outcome data. The broader Florida Economics picture suggests solid middle-class entry points, but you're betting on Saint Leo matching that performance rather than knowing it does. If your child has acceptance letters from programs with reported outcomes in the $47,000-$48,000 range, those offer certainty this estimate cannot.