Economics at University of Minnesota-Duluth

University of Minnesota-Duluth's economics program graduates enter the workforce earning slightly below both the national median ($51,722) and notably below Minnesota's state median ($56,570) for economics degrees. At $50,873 in first-year earnings, this places graduates in the 40th percentile among Minnesota economics programs—trailing the Twin Cities campus by about $6,000 annually and falling well behind private competitors like Carleton and St. Thomas. The debt load of $25,250 is reasonable but not exceptional, resulting in a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50 that most graduates should be able to manage within a few years.

The positive development here is steady earnings growth: graduates see their income rise 19% to $60,346 by year four, which brings them closer to competitive standing. This trajectory suggests the degree opens doors to career progression, even if the starting point is modest. The moderate sample size means these figures are reasonably reliable, though individual outcomes will vary.

For families considering this program, the question is whether the lower starting salary—and the gap compared to other Minnesota schools—is offset by UMN-Duluth's accessibility and lower overall cost structure. If your child can gain admission to the Twin Cities campus or secure financial aid at one of the stronger private programs, those options deliver meaningfully higher returns. But as a fallback for students who want to stay in-state, the debt burden here won't be crushing, and the growth trajectory shows the credential has value.