Analysis
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's economics program stands out as a clear winner, ranking in the 90th percentile nationally and 80th percentile among Michigan programs. Starting salaries of $68,416 significantly outpace both the national median ($51,722) and Michigan median ($49,210) for economics majors. The program also delivers strong earnings growth, with graduates seeing a 28% jump to $87,800 by year four—a trajectory that suggests the Michigan brand opens doors to high-quality career opportunities.
The financial picture is equally compelling. At $19,690 in median debt, graduates carry about $7,000 less debt than the typical Michigan economics student and $3,000 less than the national average. This creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.29, meaning graduates can realistically pay off their loans in under three years if they prioritize debt reduction. Even among Michigan's top economics programs, Michigan-Ann Arbor graduates earn $14,000+ more than their peers at Michigan State or Grand Valley State.
For parents weighing the investment, this program delivers exceptional value despite the university's selective 18% admission rate. The combination of above-average starting salaries, strong earnings growth, and manageable debt loads creates one of the most favorable financial outcomes available for economics majors in Michigan.
Where University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all economics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Michigan-Ann Arbor 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 Michigan-Ann Arbor | $68,416 | $87,800 | +28% |
| Wayne State University | $50,648 | $73,856 | +46% |
| Michigan State University | $54,013 | $71,300 | +32% |
| University of Michigan-Dearborn | $49,665 | $70,842 | +43% |
| Grand Valley State University | $53,985 | $58,840 | +9% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (22 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Michigan-Ann ArborAnn Arbor | $17,228 | $68,416 | $87,800 | $19,690 | 0.29 |
 Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing | $15,988 | $54,013 | $71,300 | $24,250 | 0.45 |
 Grand Valley State UniversityAllendale | $14,628 | $53,985 | $58,840 | $27,000 | 0.50 |
 Wayne State UniversityDetroit | $14,297 | $50,648 | $73,856 | $24,681 | 0.49 |
 University of Michigan-DearbornDearborn | $14,944 | $49,665 | $70,842 | $28,381 | 0.57 |
 Albion CollegeAlbion | $55,746 | $48,756 | $55,527 | $27,000 | 0.55 |
| 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 Michigan-Ann Arbor, approximately 18% 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 436 graduates with reported earnings and 307 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.