Economics at Taylor University

Is an economics degree worth nearly $27,000 in debt when earnings data relies on just eight peer programs statewide? Based on similar programs in Indiana, Taylor graduates might expect around $58,000 in first-year earnings—close to the state median and notably above the national benchmark of $51,700. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 sits in reasonable territory, suggesting graduates could manage their loans without overwhelming financial strain. However, the small sample size behind these estimates (Taylor's program didn't generate enough graduates for the Department of Education to report actual outcomes) means there's meaningful uncertainty about what this specific program delivers.

The competitive landscape in Indiana shows a clear hierarchy. Notre Dame economics majors command $76,000, and larger state universities like Purdue and IU both report around $59,000—all with actual data, not estimates. Taylor's projected earnings land in the middle tier alongside Ball State, but without reported outcomes, it's impossible to know whether Taylor's graduates actually match or lag the state average. The modest debt load helps cushion this uncertainty, but parents should recognize they're betting on assumptions drawn from other schools rather than Taylor's proven track record.

For families comfortable with that uncertainty, the numbers suggest workable financial outcomes if Taylor's program performs like its peers. But given the lack of concrete data and the presence of larger programs with documented results nearby, this decision hinges on whether Taylor's distinctive environment justifies choosing a program without verified earnings outcomes.