Analysis
UC Merced's economics program lands right at California's median for first-year earnings ($51,212), but here's what makes it stand out: graduates climb to $66,770 by year four—a 30% jump that suggests solid career trajectory despite the modest start. Among California's 55 economics programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile, meaning it outperforms roughly half the state's offerings while keeping debt manageable at $19,303.
The value equation looks reasonable for a UC education. That debt level translates to a 0.38 ratio against first-year earnings—well below the threshold where repayment becomes burdensome. Given that nearly 60% of students receive Pell grants, this accessibility combined with moderate debt makes it workable for families who can't afford Stanford's or Berkeley's competition. The earnings growth after graduation indicates employers value these degrees more over time.
The catch: we're looking at a small sample size here (under 30 graduates), so individual circumstances could swing these numbers considerably. But for California families seeking an affordable UC option, Merced delivers economics training that leads to steady earnings progression without the crushing debt loads that plague many programs. The four-year earnings figure approaches what many graduates earn initially at pricier private schools.
Where University of California-Merced Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all economics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of California-Merced 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of California-Merced | $51,212 | $66,770 | +30% |
| Stanford University | $98,104 | $127,416 | +30% |
| Claremont McKenna College | $89,505 | $115,832 | +29% |
| University of California-Berkeley | $80,446 | $106,624 | +33% |
| Santa Clara University | $76,606 | $102,794 | +34% |
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (55 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of California-MercedMerced | $14,167 | $51,212 | $66,770 | $19,303 | 0.38 |
 Stanford UniversityStanford | $62,484 | $98,104 | $127,416 | $12,500 | 0.13 |
 Claremont McKenna CollegeClaremont | $64,150 | $89,505 | $115,832 | $12,000 | 0.13 |
 University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley | $14,850 | $80,446 | $106,624 | $13,000 | 0.16 |
 Santa Clara UniversitySanta Clara | $59,241 | $76,606 | $102,794 | $19,500 | 0.25 |
 Pomona CollegeClaremont | $62,326 | $70,051 | $100,669 | — | — |
| 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 University of California-Merced, approximately 59% 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 21 graduates with reported earnings and 19 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.