Analysis
Syracuse Economics graduates start at nearly $56,000—already beating most Economics programs in New York—but the real story emerges four years out when earnings jump to over $70,000. That 26% increase signals graduates are landing roles with clear advancement potential, not just entry-level positions with nowhere to go.
The debt picture strengthens the case considerably. At $26,000, borrowing sits well below both state and national medians for Economics programs, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 that most programs struggle to match. While Syracuse can't compete with the prestige-tier schools like Barnard or Cornell (where graduates earn $85,000+), it delivers solid outcomes at a fraction of the debt burden those schools often require. Among New York's 74 Economics programs, Syracuse ranks in the 60th percentile—solidly above average in a competitive state market.
For families weighing Syracuse against state schools or peer private institutions, the combination of manageable debt and strong earnings trajectory makes this competitive. The robust sample size (100+ graduates tracked) means these aren't fluky numbers. You're looking at a program that reliably places graduates into jobs that pay off relatively quickly and offer room to grow.
Where Syracuse University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all economics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Syracuse University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Syracuse University | $55,974 | $70,698 | +26% |
| Columbia University in the City of New York | $83,135 | $117,355 | +41% |
| Cornell University | $84,967 | $107,248 | +26% |
| Colgate University | $77,274 | $103,456 | +34% |
| Barnard College | $85,860 | $103,309 | +20% |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Syracuse UniversitySyracuse | $63,061 | $55,974 | $70,698 | $26,000 | 0.46 |
 Barnard CollegeNew York | $66,246 | $85,860 | $103,309 | $16,750 | 0.20 |
 Cornell UniversityIthaca | $66,014 | $84,967 | $107,248 | $15,500 | 0.18 |
 Columbia University in the City of New YorkNew York | $69,045 | $83,135 | $117,355 | $25,000 | 0.30 |
 Vassar CollegePoughkeepsie | $67,805 | $79,845 | $81,561 | $19,000 | 0.24 |
 Colgate UniversityHamilton | $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 Syracuse University, approximately 16% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 161 graduates with reported earnings and 170 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.