Economics at Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University's economics graduates start at $69,807—substantially better than the national median of $51,722 and ranking in the 92nd percentile nationally. That's an impressive outcome for a university with a 96% admission rate serving nearly half first-generation and low-income students. The $19,500 in median debt translates to just 28% of first-year earnings, creating a manageable repayment scenario. By year four, earnings jump to $91,624, closing the gap with elite programs like Dartmouth while costing far less to attend.

The caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so these numbers could shift considerably with a larger sample. Still, the pattern suggests SNHU's economics program punches well above its weight. Within New Hampshire, it ranks solidly in the 60th percentile—middle of the pack for the state but still outperforming cheaper options like UNH's main campus by nearly $15,000 in starting salary.

For families seeking strong economic returns without elite-college selectivity or debt loads, this program merits serious consideration. The combination of accessible admission, reasonable debt, and robust early earnings makes it a practical pathway to a six-figure income by your mid-twenties. Just remember that the small sample size means future outcomes could vary more than usual.