Economics at University of Akron Main Campus

Ohio economics programs typically produce first-year earnings around $51,500, and based on comparable programs statewide, University of Akron graduates likely fall right in line with that figure. With estimated debt of $20,500, the debt-to-earnings ratio sits at a manageable 0.40—meaning the entire loan balance equals less than half a year's salary. That's actually below both the national and state median debt for economics degrees, suggesting a relatively efficient path to this credential.

The gap between Akron and Ohio's top economics programs is substantial. John Carroll and Oberlin graduates earn $10,000-$13,000 more in their first year, while even public competitors like Cincinnati and Miami produce notably higher outcomes. Whether that difference reflects the programs themselves, employer preferences, student networks, or simply where graduates choose to work isn't clear from the data. But for families weighing options, it's worth asking whether Akron's lower price point—suggested by that below-average debt load—offsets the earning differential.

The practical takeaway: this appears to be an affordable route to an economics degree, with debt levels that won't dominate early career finances. But given the estimates and the performance gap with peer schools, families should press the career services office about actual placement outcomes and typical employer connections before committing.