Economics at University of Detroit Mercy

Looking at comparable economics programs across Michigan, first-year earnings around $49,000 against estimated debt of $27,000 creates a manageable 0.55 debt-to-earnings ratio—meaning graduates would owe roughly half their annual salary. While this falls short of Michigan's flagship programs like U-M Ann Arbor ($68,000) or Michigan State ($54,000), it aligns closely with the state median for economics degrees and tracks just below the national benchmark of $52,000.

The estimated $27,000 debt load sits slightly above both state and national medians for economics programs, which matters when earnings aren't substantially higher to offset it. Similar private universities in Michigan producing economics graduates suggest this debt level is typical for the institutional type, but it means Detroit Mercy students would likely carry more debt than peers at state universities while earning comparable salaries. The math still works—a graduate could reasonably manage payments on these figures—but there's less cushion than at programs with stronger early earning potential.

For families weighing this investment, the key question is whether Detroit Mercy's smaller class sizes and urban location offer advantages worth the debt premium over nearby Wayne State, which produces similar earnings at likely lower cost. The estimates here don't reveal program-specific outcomes, so visiting campus and talking to recent alumni about actual job placement becomes essential due diligence.