Economics at Trinity College
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Trinity College's economics program produces graduates who earn $71,191 their first year—$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 0.30—meaning 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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Trinity College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Trinity College graduates earn $71k, placing them in the 94th percentile of all economics bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Connecticut
Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Connecticut (18 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trinity College | $71,191 | $112,699 | $21,500 | 0.30 |
| Yale University | $82,617 | $125,006 | $13,250 | 0.16 |
| Fairfield University | $74,023 | $81,906 | $26,500 | 0.36 |
| Connecticut College | $62,732 | $86,772 | $25,206 | 0.40 |
| University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus | $52,227 | $67,339 | $22,907 | 0.44 |
| University of Connecticut | $52,227 | $67,339 | $22,907 | 0.44 |
| National Median | $51,722 | — | $22,816 | 0.44 |
Other Economics Programs in Connecticut
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Connecticut schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yale University New Haven | $64,700 | $82,617 | $13,250 |
| Fairfield University Fairfield | $56,360 | $74,023 | $26,500 |
| Connecticut College New London | $64,812 | $62,732 | $25,206 |
| University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus Hartford | $17,452 | $52,227 | $22,907 |
| University of Connecticut Storrs | $20,366 | $52,227 | $22,907 |
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.