Economics at Union University

Based on comparable economics programs in Tennessee, Union's estimated first-year earnings of $58,173 suggest graduates land near the middle of the state pack—well ahead of UT-Knoxville but far behind Vanderbilt's $84,000. The estimated $19,500 debt load is modest, yielding a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34 that's manageable by any standard. What you're trading for that lower debt is access to the higher-earning tier: Vanderbilt grads make 45% more out of the gate, though they're also competing in a more selective environment.

The national context is favorable. Tennessee economics programs generally outperform the national median of $51,722, and Union's peer-based estimate aligns with the state's stronger showing. The relatively light debt burden matters more than it might appear—many private universities saddle economics majors with $30,000+ in loans, which significantly extends the payback timeline even with stronger starting salaries.

The challenge is uncertainty. These estimates draw from just a handful of Tennessee programs, and Union's actual outcomes could differ meaningfully depending on factors like career services strength and alumni networks in specific industries. The selectivity stats suggest Union attracts solid students, but without school-specific data, you're betting on their ability to replicate what peer institutions achieve. If your child has admission offers with reported outcomes, those provide firmer ground for comparison.