Analysis
Based on comparable Economics programs across New York, St. John Fisher appears positioned near the state median, with first-year earnings estimated around $50,000—virtually identical to the statewide average. The estimated $25,000 debt load is somewhat higher than typical for NY Economics programs (which median at $21,550), though the resulting debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50 remains within workable range. This suggests graduates would dedicate roughly half their first-year salary to clearing undergraduate debt, assuming aggressive repayment.
The challenge here is context: New York's Economics landscape is dominated by elite institutions where graduates command $75,000-$85,000 straight out of college. While those programs aren't fair comparisons given Fisher's 68% admission rate and regional mission, they do set market expectations for Economics degrees in the state. The question becomes whether a mid-market Economics credential opens enough doors to justify the investment, particularly when Fisher's estimated outcomes don't show clear advantages over less expensive state alternatives.
For families evaluating this program, the modest debt burden works in its favor, but you're paying private school tuition for outcomes that mirror the broader state median. If your student is drawn to Fisher's campus culture or specific faculty connections, the numbers aren't prohibitive. But if Economics itself is the draw, verify what Fisher's actual placement record looks like in finance, consulting, or graduate programs—sectors where institutional reputation can matter as much as the major itself.
Where St. John Fisher University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all economics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (74 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $39,666 | $50,059* | — | $25,000* | — | |
| $66,246 | $85,860* | $103,309 | $16,750* | 0.20 | |
| $66,014 | $84,967* | $107,248 | $15,500* | 0.18 | |
| $69,045 | $83,135* | $117,355 | $25,000* | 0.30 | |
| $67,805 | $79,845* | $81,561 | $19,000* | 0.24 | |
| $67,024 | $77,274* | $103,456 | $17,500* | 0.23 | |
| National Median | — | $51,722* | — | $22,816* | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with economics graduates
Economists
Environmental Economists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
Search Marketing Strategists
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Survey Researchers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At St. John Fisher University, approximately 28% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 36 similar programs in NY. Actual outcomes may vary.