Analysis
Towson's economics program delivers outcomes that trail most Maryland competitors while carrying above-average debt. With first-year earnings of $50,910, graduates land below both the state median ($51,483) and national average ($51,722)—ranking in just the 40th percentile among Maryland economics programs. Meanwhile, the $18,838 debt burden sits in the 76th percentile nationally, meaning three-quarters of economics programs nationwide graduate students with less debt.
The gap with nearby alternatives is significant. University of Maryland-College Park graduates earn $58,650 initially, nearly 15% more. Even UMBC, another accessible state school, produces starting salaries $4,000 higher. The 19% earnings growth to $60,328 by year four helps narrow this gap somewhat, but Towson graduates are playing catch-up from the start.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 remains manageable—you're looking at roughly five months of gross income to cover the debt—but that's the best case assuming state residency and minimal borrowing. For a program at an 83% admission rate institution charging more debt than three-quarters of peers while producing below-average returns, the value proposition looks weak unless there are compelling personal reasons to choose Towson specifically over Maryland's stronger public options.
Where Towson University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all economics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Towson 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Towson University | $50,910 | $60,328 | +18% |
| Johns Hopkins University | $78,181 | $108,040 | +38% |
| University of Maryland-College Park | $58,650 | $72,814 | +24% |
| Washington College | $50,835 | $68,636 | +35% |
| University of Maryland-Baltimore County | $54,859 | $68,275 | +24% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Maryland
Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maryland (16 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Towson UniversityTowson | $11,306 | $50,910 | $60,328 | $18,838 | 0.37 |
 Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore | $63,340 | $78,181 | $108,040 | $12,494 | 0.16 |
 University of Maryland-College ParkCollege Park | $11,505 | $58,650 | $72,814 | $20,097 | 0.34 |
 University of Maryland-Baltimore CountyBaltimore | $12,952 | $54,859 | $68,275 | $21,920 | 0.40 |
 St. Mary's College of MarylandSt. Mary's City | $15,236 | $51,483 | $61,048 | $24,946 | 0.48 |
 Washington CollegeChestertown | $54,356 | $50,835 | $68,636 | $27,000 | 0.53 |
| 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 Towson University, approximately 33% 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 68 graduates with reported earnings and 72 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.