Economics at St. Mary's College of Maryland

St. Mary's College economics graduates start modestly but see solid progression, reaching $61,048 by year four—a respectable 19% gain that suggests the program builds practical skills. The debt load of under $25,000 is genuinely manageable, translating to a comfortable 0.48 ratio against first-year earnings. Among Maryland's 16 economics programs, this lands at the 60th percentile, placing it squarely in the middle tier behind heavyweights like Johns Hopkins and UMD but ahead of several competitors.

The challenge here is straightforward: with fewer than 30 graduates in the dataset, these numbers could swing considerably with even a small class. A single graduate landing a lucrative consulting role or several entering lower-paying nonprofit work could dramatically shift the median. The program also sits at Maryland's median for earnings, meaning half of the state's economics programs deliver better outcomes.

For families prioritizing low debt over premium starting salaries, this works—you're avoiding the financial stress that comes with larger loans while still accessing decent mid-career growth. But if your student has the credentials for UMD-College Park (where graduates earn $58,650) or can compete for admission at schools with stronger placement records, the additional $7,600 in starting salary could compound significantly over a career. This is a safe choice, not a standout one.