Economics at Southwestern University

Texas economics programs show a wide range of outcomes, from Rice's $78,814 to programs in the low $50,000s. Southwestern's estimates—derived from 14 similar bachelor's programs across the state—suggest first-year earnings around $51,000, which sits right at the state median but notably below what nearby competitors like UT Austin and Trinity produce. The $19,500 estimated debt load is actually lighter than the state typical of $20,500, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 that suggests manageable repayment.

The challenge here is that we're working entirely from peer program data rather than Southwestern's actual graduate outcomes. The school's 39% admission rate and strong SAT scores (1269) indicate selectivity, which sometimes correlates with better career networks and outcomes than state medians would predict. But without reported data, you're essentially betting that Southwestern's economics graduates perform at least as well as the Texas average, rather than knowing their actual track record.

For a private liberal arts college with selective admissions, starting around $51,000 with under $20,000 in debt represents a workable financial foundation—if those estimates hold true. The key question is whether Southwestern's smaller program and tighter alumni network can help your student access opportunities closer to what Trinity delivers rather than settling at the state median. Given the uncertainty, look for concrete placement data from the department itself: where do their recent graduates actually work, and what are they earning?