Analysis
Santa Clara's Economics program sits in an elite tier, outearning 80% of California economics programs and 95% of programs nationwide. At $76,606 in first-year earnings, graduates land squarely between Stanford and UC Berkeley—and ahead of well-regarded programs at Pomona and Cal Poly. The four-year trajectory to $103,000 shows sustained momentum, not just a hot first job that fizzles out. This is Silicon Valley proximity working as intended.
The $19,500 debt load translates to just three months of first-year earnings, making it highly manageable despite being slightly above California's median for economics programs. The school's selective admissions (44% acceptance rate, 1417 average SAT) and limited Pell enrollment (11%) signal a well-resourced student body, but the economics program delivers returns that would justify this investment for most families. The moderate sample size means individual outcomes may vary more than at larger programs, but the overall pattern is clear.
For families weighing options, this program offers a practical path into high-paying careers without the credential lottery of Stanford or the public school trade-offs at Berkeley. The combination of strong immediate earnings and continued growth makes Santa Clara's economics degree a legitimate West Coast target for students who can handle the academic rigor.
Where Santa Clara University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all economics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Santa Clara University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Clara University | $76,606 | $102,794 | +34% |
| Stanford University | $98,104 | $127,416 | +30% |
| Claremont McKenna College | $89,505 | $115,832 | +29% |
| University of California-Berkeley | $80,446 | $106,624 | +33% |
| Pomona College | $70,051 | $100,669 | +44% |
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (55 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Santa Clara UniversitySanta Clara | $59,241 | $76,606 | $102,794 | $19,500 | 0.25 |
 Stanford UniversityStanford | $62,484 | $98,104 | $127,416 | $12,500 | 0.13 |
 Claremont McKenna CollegeClaremont | $64,150 | $89,505 | $115,832 | $12,000 | 0.13 |
 University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley | $14,850 | $80,446 | $106,624 | $13,000 | 0.16 |
 Pomona CollegeClaremont | $62,326 | $70,051 | $100,669 | — | — |
 California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo | $11,075 | $67,501 | $76,499 | $18,500 | 0.27 |
| National Median | — | $51,722 | — | $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 Santa Clara University, approximately 11% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 60 graduates with reported earnings and 59 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.