Economics at The New School

Based on comparable economics programs in New York, The New School's estimated first-year earnings of $50,000 land right at the state median—but that figure masks a dramatic spread among peer institutions. Elite NY schools like Barnard and Columbia report outcomes above $83,000, suggesting that where you earn your economics degree matters enormously in this market. For a private institution in Manhattan with selective admission, performing at the middle of the pack raises questions about whether The New School's economics program delivers the network and placement advantages you'd expect from its location and price point.

The estimated $25,000 in debt sits slightly above state and national medians, producing a debt-to-earnings ratio that looks manageable on paper. An economics graduate earning $50,000 could reasonably handle this debt load. However, that calculation assumes the estimates hold true for New School graduates specifically—and given the wide variation among NY economics programs, there's meaningful uncertainty here. The school's low Pell Grant percentage (15%) suggests a student body that may not depend on strong early earnings, which could explain why the program isn't optimized for immediate post-graduation outcomes.

The bottom line: this program appears neither a standout value nor a clear risk based on peer data, but the gap between The New School and top-performing NY economics programs is substantial enough that families should investigate what drives those differences—whether it's employer connections, curriculum focus, or graduate school placement—before committing.