Economics at Simmons University

Simmons' economics program sits squarely in Massachusetts' middle tier—a significant gap from the state's elite liberal arts colleges and research universities, where economics majors routinely launch into six-figure trajectories. Based on comparable programs across the state, graduates can expect first-year earnings around $57,000, which tracks with the national 75th percentile but falls far short of what Harvard, Wellesley, or even Tufts economics grads typically command. The estimated $24,500 in debt creates a manageable ratio of 0.43, meaning debt equals roughly five months of gross income, but the ceiling matters here: when peer programs at Williams or Amherst produce starting salaries 40-50% higher, the same debt becomes proportionally easier to service.

The real question is whether a Simmons economics degree opens similar doors to those elite programs, or whether the credential functions more like the typical state median suggests. Boston's robust finance and tech sectors could provide an advantage, but without actual outcome data for this specific cohort, it's impossible to know if Simmons graduates compete effectively for those positions. The admission profile (66% acceptance, 1332 SAT) suggests a solid student body, but not one that would automatically command premium placement.

For families considering this program, the estimated numbers suggest reasonable but not exceptional value—you're likely paying moderate debt for middle-of-the-pack outcomes in a state with genuinely elite alternatives nearby.