Analysis
Wooster's business economics program carries an estimated $24,000 in debt—slightly above both state and national medians for this degree—while first-year earnings of around $60,000 (based on Ohio peer programs) track right at the state median. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 sits comfortably in workable territory, suggesting graduates could manage their loans on a typical starting salary, though the lack of school-specific data makes it harder to gauge whether Wooster's private liberal arts environment delivers distinct value beyond what Ohio's public universities offer.
The earnings estimate itself is worth scrutinizing. It's pegged at the Ohio median, which means half of similar programs in the state produce lower outcomes and half produce higher ones. Without knowing where Wooster actually falls in that distribution, families are essentially betting on average performance—yet paying for a selective private college experience (note the 1370 average SAT). Schools like Ohio State and Miami report similar first-year earnings with less debt, raising questions about whether the smaller classes and mentoring justify the premium.
If your student thrives in intimate academic settings and values Wooster's independent study model, the estimated numbers don't rule it out—the debt burden appears manageable. But recognize you're making that choice with significant uncertainty about this program's actual track record, and other Ohio options might deliver comparable career starts at lower cost.
Where The College of Wooster Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/managerial economics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Business/Managerial Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (19 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $59,550 | $60,236* | — | $24,000* | — | |
| $12,859 | $61,979* | $70,360 | $19,500* | 0.31 | |
| $17,809 | $60,596* | $72,562 | $24,000* | 0.40 | |
| $6,178 | $60,236* | — | $21,000* | 0.35 | |
| $6,178 | $60,236* | — | $21,000* | 0.35 | |
| $6,178 | $60,236* | — | $21,000* | 0.35 | |
| 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 The College of Wooster, approximately 20% 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 11 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.