Analysis
Business programs in Florida show dramatic variation in early outcomes, and St. Thomas University's economics degree appears to track closer to the state's middle tier than its top performers. Based on comparable programs across Florida, first-year earnings around $47,600 lag the national benchmark of $53,200 by roughly 10%—a gap that matters when you're servicing debt and starting your career in an expensive metro area like Miami.
The estimated $24,000 in debt sits above Florida's typical $17,750 for these programs, though the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50 remains manageable by national standards. The challenge is that similar economics programs produce widely different results in this state: University of Miami graduates earn $63,600 in their first year, while University of North Florida grads start at $42,400. Without actual outcome data for St. Thomas specifically, it's unclear where within this range their graduates truly land, making it difficult to assess whether the premium over cheaper state options translates into better placement.
For parents evaluating this program, the lack of reported data itself signals either very small graduating classes or inconsistent tracking—neither inspiring confidence. The 99% admission rate suggests limited selectivity, which sometimes correlates with less robust career services or employer pipelines. If your student is considering this path, understanding St. Thomas's specific employer connections in South Florida and comparing total cost against state universities with proven track records would be essential before committing.
Where St. Thomas University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/managerial economics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Business/Managerial Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (8 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $34,770 | $47,648* | — | $24,000* | — | |
| $59,926 | $63,662* | $85,811 | $15,625* | 0.25 | |
| $6,368 | $47,648* | $65,911 | $23,105* | 0.48 | |
| $6,389 | $42,357* | $56,819 | $17,750* | 0.42 | |
| National Median | — | $53,219* | — | $22,250* | 0.42 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/managerial economics graduates
Economists
Environmental Economists
Financial Risk Specialists
Management Analysts
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
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. Thomas University, approximately 25% 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 3 similar programs in FL. Actual outcomes may vary.