Economics at University of Central Missouri

The small sample size here is a real limitation, but the available data suggests University of Central Missouri's economics program starts slow and recovers significantly. That $41,076 first-year salary ranks in just the 13th percentile nationally—well below both the national median of $51,722 and Missouri's median of $46,583. However, earnings jump 44% by year four to $59,303, which actually surpasses the national 75th percentile. This trajectory is unusual and raises questions about whether early career paths differ from typical economics graduates, or if this reflects the quirks of a small cohort.

Within Missouri, the program sits at exactly mid-pack (40th percentile), trailing flagship options like Mizzou ($52,635 starting) and Washington University. The $25,056 debt load is reasonable relative to that fourth-year salary, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61. If those fourth-year numbers hold for future cohorts, graduates should be able to manage repayment comfortably. The concerning part is that three-year gap where earnings lag significantly behind peers.

For families weighing this option, the key question is whether your student can navigate those lean early years—possibly through lower-cost careers that eventually lead to better opportunities. With fewer than 30 graduates in this dataset, these figures could shift dramatically year to year. If your student is considering economics specifically, Missouri's flagship programs offer more predictable outcomes at comparable or better starting salaries.