Analysis
Four years out, Salisbury economics graduates earn $68,943โa solid trajectory that suggests the degree gains value with time. While first-year earnings estimates based on comparable Maryland programs sit around $51,500, that jump to nearly $69,000 by year four indicates the credential opens doors that take a few years to fully materialize. This later-career momentum matters when evaluating whether the investment pays off.
The estimated $21,000 in debt aligns closely with state norms for similar programs and translates to a manageable 0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio. That's a reasonable burden for a field where earnings appear to accelerate substantially after the entry-level years. The four-year figure puts Salisbury graduates ahead of the national median for economics degrees and competitive with larger state schools like Towson, though still trailing the top-tier programs at Hopkins and College Park.
The practical picture: your child would likely start at typical entry-level earnings but could expect meaningful growth within a few years, while carrying debt that won't dominate their budget. The unknown is whether Salisbury's specific outcomes match these peer-based estimates, but the year-four actual data suggests the program delivers solid mid-career positioning. For families seeking an affordable economics degree without the competition of Maryland's flagship institutions, this represents a credible path.
Where Salisbury 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salisbury University | โ | $68,943 | โ |
| Johns Hopkins University | $78,181 | $108,040 | +38% |
| University of Maryland-College Park | $58,650 | $72,814 | +24% |
| Washington College | $50,835 | $68,636 | +35% |
| University of Maryland-Baltimore County | $54,859 | $68,275 | +24% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Maryland
Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maryland (16 total in state)
Scroll to see more โ
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,638 | $51,483* | $68,943 | $21,009* | โ | |
| $63,340 | $78,181* | $108,040 | $12,494* | 0.16 | |
| $11,505 | $58,650* | $72,814 | $20,097* | 0.34 | |
| $12,952 | $54,859* | $68,275 | $21,920* | 0.40 | |
| $15,236 | $51,483* | $61,048 | $24,946* | 0.48 | |
| $11,306 | $50,910* | $60,328 | $18,838* | 0.37 | |
| National Median | โ | $51,722* | โ | $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 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 median of 7 similar programs in MD. Actual outcomes may vary.