Analysis
Based on peer economics programs across New York State, St. Joseph's appears positioned right at the median—with estimated first-year earnings around $50,000 and debt near $25,000. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50 sits comfortably within manageable territory, though it's worth noting this represents roughly $4,000 more debt than typical for New York economics programs while earnings track closely with state norms.
The challenge here is understanding where St. Joseph's actually falls within New York's wide spectrum of outcomes. Elite programs in the state routinely produce $80,000+ starting salaries, while the median hovers around $50,000—a gap that reflects both institutional prestige and the networking advantages certain schools provide in finance-heavy markets. With a 71% admission rate and moderate SAT scores, St. Joseph's likely lands closer to that middle tier than the top, but without school-specific data, it's difficult to know whether graduates are accessing the higher-paying finance roles that drive economics degree value in New York.
The estimated numbers suggest a workable investment if your child is committed to economics and plans to stay in the New York metro area where these credentials carry weight. However, given the uncertainty and the slightly elevated debt compared to peer programs, you'll want to verify the school's actual placement rates in competitive fields before committing—particularly if comparable programs nearby show better debt loads or stronger alumni networks in target industries.
Where St. Joseph's University-New York 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $34,535 | $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. Joseph's University-New York, approximately 34% 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.