Analysis
Trinity College's economics program produces graduates who earn $71,191 their first yearβ$19,000 more than the Connecticut median and substantially ahead of UConn grads in the same field. More impressive is the trajectory: by year four, median earnings hit $113,000, a 58% jump that suggests strong career momentum. Within Connecticut, only Yale's economics program produces higher-earning graduates at the one-year mark, placing Trinity firmly in the state's top tier.
The debt picture reinforces the value proposition. At $21,500, graduates carry slightly less debt than both state and national averages, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.30βmeaning first-year salary covers debt three times over. This combination of strong initial placement and manageable debt gives graduates unusual financial flexibility early in their careers.
The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) means individual cohorts might vary, but the pattern is clear: Trinity's economics degree opens doors to higher-paying opportunities and provides the network or credential that accelerates advancement. For families willing to invest in a selective liberal arts college, this program delivers returns that justify the choice, particularly for students targeting finance, consulting, or similar fields where institutional reputation matters.
Where Trinity College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all economics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Trinity College 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trinity College | $71,191 | $112,699 | +58% |
| Yale University | $82,617 | $125,006 | +51% |
| Connecticut College | $62,732 | $86,772 | +38% |
| Fairfield University | $74,023 | $81,906 | +11% |
| University of Connecticut | $52,227 | $67,339 | +29% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Connecticut
Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Connecticut (18 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $67,420 | $71,191 | $112,699 | $21,500 | 0.30 | |
| $64,700 | $82,617 | $125,006 | $13,250 | 0.16 | |
| $56,360 | $74,023 | $81,906 | $26,500 | 0.36 | |
| $64,812 | $62,732 | $86,772 | $25,206 | 0.40 | |
| $17,452 | $52,227 | $67,339 | $22,907 | 0.44 | |
| $20,366 | $52,227 | $67,339 | $22,907 | 0.44 | |
| National Median | β | $51,722 | β | $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 Trinity College, approximately 15% 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 62 graduates with reported earnings and 64 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.