Analysis
Business economics programs nationally produce first-year earnings around $53,000, which appears to be the trajectory for Salisbury graduates based on peer institutions. With estimated debt of $21,125, the 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio falls comfortably within manageable territory—borrowers would dedicate roughly 24% of gross income to standard 10-year loan payments, leaving reasonable room for living expenses and savings.
What's harder to assess here is Salisbury's specific competitive position. As the only institution in Maryland where the Department of Education tracks this particular program, there's no in-state comparison point, and the small graduate cohort that triggered data suppression means we're working entirely from national averages. The university's 89% admission rate and moderate SAT scores suggest accessibility rather than selectivity, but that doesn't necessarily correlate with career outcomes—especially in business fields where internships, networking, and individual initiative often matter as much as the institutional brand.
The practical question is whether these national benchmarks translate to Salisbury's Mid-Atlantic location and alumni network. Business economics sits at the intersection of analytical training and applied management, which can lead to diverse paths in finance, consulting, or corporate strategy. If those estimated figures hold true here, graduates would clear their debt within the first few years while building careers. Just recognize you're making this decision with borrowed data from similar programs elsewhere, not a track record specific to this school.
Where Salisbury University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/managerial economics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Business/Managerial Economics bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,638 | $53,219* | — | $21,125* | — | |
| $62,982 | $106,701* | — | —* | — | |
| $13,747 | $83,604* | $92,873 | $17,332* | 0.21 | |
| $64,701 | $82,212* | $122,309 | $27,000* | 0.33 | |
| $62,180 | $81,796* | $101,741 | $23,240* | 0.28 | |
| $6,496 | $75,227* | $97,349 | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $53,219* | — | $22,250* | 0.42 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/managerial economics graduates
Economists
Environmental Economists
Financial Risk Specialists
Management Analysts
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
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 Salisbury University, approximately 24% 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 national median of 81 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.