Economics at Shorter University

Based on comparable economics programs in Georgia, Shorter's graduates would start around $45,000—roughly $6,500 below the national median for economics degrees. While this tracks with the state average, it's a noticeable gap when you consider that economics typically commands stronger starting salaries than many liberal arts fields. The estimated $27,000 in debt lands slightly above both state and national benchmarks for this major, though the resulting debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.60 remains manageable by most standards.

The real question is whether an economics degree from a small Georgia school positions graduates as competitively as peers from larger programs. The state's top earners—Emory at $71,000, UGA at nearly $50,000—suggest that institutional reputation and network matter significantly in this field. Shorter's 97% admission rate and modest test scores indicate a different student population than these comparators, which could reflect both incoming preparation and employer perceptions.

For families investing in an economics degree here, the financial picture appears workable but not compelling. The debt load is reasonable enough to manage on projected earnings, but you're likely paying similar costs to what you'd incur at programs with stronger placement track records. If Shorter offers meaningful advantages—smaller classes, specific faculty relationships, or location flexibility—the economics could justify themselves. Otherwise, exploring the economics programs at Georgia's public universities might deliver better returns on a similar investment.