Economics at Southern Utah University

A $21,650 debt load based on comparable programs seems manageable at first glance, but the earnings picture tells a more sobering story. First-year earnings of $43,266 place this program well behind the state median of $61,902 for economics degrees—roughly $18,000 less annually than what grads from Utah's other economics programs typically earn. That gap is significant: the University of Utah, BYU, and Utah State all report first-year earnings above $60,000, suggesting the differential isn't just random variation but a meaningful pattern.

The estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50 falls within reasonable territory—peer programs nationally carry similar debt burdens—but the low earnings undermine the value equation. At the 10th percentile statewide and 19th nationally, this program's graduates are starting behind most of their peers in the field. Whether that reflects Southern Utah's more regional employment network, differences in curriculum rigor, or the challenges of recruiting to Cedar City is unclear, but the outcome is what matters for planning purposes.

For families considering this program, the question becomes whether there are compelling non-financial reasons to choose SUU over Utah's other economics programs. The debt burden alone won't sink anyone's financial future, but starting $18,000 behind annually means catching up will take years, if it happens at all. If proximity to Cedar City or SUU's smaller campus environment isn't decisive, the earnings data from peer institutions argue for looking elsewhere.