Economics at Susquehanna University

A bachelor's in economics from a small liberal arts college in central Pennsylvania comes with an estimated $26,368 in debt—slightly above both the state and national medians for economics programs. While peer institutions across Pennsylvania suggest first-year earnings around $53,400, parents should recognize these figures aren't specific to Susquehanna's graduates but rather reflect what comparable economics programs in the state typically produce.

The 0.49 debt-to-earnings ratio falls within reasonable bounds, suggesting graduates would owe roughly half their first-year salary. However, the estimation comes with real uncertainty: Pennsylvania's economics programs show enormous variation, from around $40,000 at some regional schools to over $89,000 at Penn. Where Susquehanna's actual outcomes fall within that spectrum matters significantly—a $13,000 difference in starting salary would take years to overcome if the debt proves accurate.

Given Susquehanna's 79% admission rate and modest selectivity metrics, the school likely serves a different student population than the state's elite programs producing $70,000+ earners. If your child has options at more selective Pennsylvania schools with reported data, those programs offer more certainty about return on investment. Otherwise, recognize you're working with educated guesses rather than verified outcomes, which adds risk to a significant financial commitment.