Economics at University of California-Merced

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.