Economics at University of Kansas

The University of Kansas economics program produces graduates earning about $10,000 less than the typical Kansas economics major—not the outcome you'd expect from the state's flagship university. While KU's $45,420 starting salary beats some regional options, it trails Kansas State by roughly $7,000 and sits well below the national median of $51,700. This places the program in just the 25th percentile nationally and 40th percentile statewide.

The bright spot is manageable debt. At $26,000, borrowing levels remain reasonable relative to those initial earnings, giving graduates a debt-to-income ratio of 0.57. That's better than what typical economics students face nationwide, and the 18% earnings growth over four years shows graduates do gain ground as they establish their careers. However, even after four years, median earnings of $53,664 still lag behind what Kansas State grads earn straight out of college.

For families considering this program, understand that KU's brand name doesn't translate into premium economics outcomes—at least not initially. The debt is affordable, but the earning power falls short of what students can achieve at peer Kansas schools. If your child is set on KU, they should have a clear plan for leveraging the degree beyond their first job, where the institution's broader alumni network might compensate for the modest start.