Economics at Stanford University

Stanford economics graduates start near six figures—$98,104 in their first year—which doubles the national median and places them at the very top of California programs, outearning even Claremont McKenna. The debt burden is remarkably light at $12,500, well below both state and national averages, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.13. That means graduates owe roughly six weeks of salary, an exceptional outcome even for elite programs.

The trajectory looks strong too, with earnings climbing 30% to $127,416 by year four. While the sample size is small (under 30 graduates) and might not capture the full range of outcomes, the direction is clear: graduates are entering high-paying roles in finance, consulting, or tech—sectors where Stanford's network and recruiting pipeline create substantial advantages. The 4% admission rate means these students were already exceptional, but the program appears to deliver on its promise.

For families who can secure admission and manage Stanford's costs (generous aid helps—19% receive Pell grants), the numbers justify the investment. The real question isn't whether the program performs well—it clearly does—but whether your student can get in and whether the non-monetary aspects of Stanford's environment align with their goals.