Analysis
Similar economics programs in Minnesota suggest first-year earnings around $56,570 for this degree, with debt typically near $21,500—a manageable 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratio that compares favorably to most bachelor's degrees. What's unusual here is the four-year earnings figure of $53,188, which sits *below* the estimated starting salary. This could reflect the small sample size that triggered data suppression, or it might suggest some graduates pursue graduate school or public service roles that temporarily depress earnings.
The estimated figures place UMN-Morris roughly on par with the state median for economics programs, though notably below Minnesota's standout liberal arts colleges like Carleton ($66,567) or St. Catherine ($64,916). Still, based on comparable programs, the debt load appears reasonable—less than both the state and national medians for economics degrees. For a public liberal arts college serving a substantial population of Pell grant recipients, this suggests a relatively accessible path to an economics credential.
The key uncertainty is whether this specific program tracks closer to the estimated $56,570 or the reported $53,188 figure. If closer to the latter, you're looking at earnings barely above $50,000 with typical debt—serviceable but unexceptional. Request placement outcomes directly from the school to understand where graduates actually land before banking on state-wide averages.
Where University of Minnesota-Morris Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all economics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Minnesota-Morris | — | $53,188 | — |
| Macalester College | $59,752 | $83,794 | +40% |
| Carleton College | $66,567 | $83,775 | +26% |
| University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | $56,902 | $76,116 | +34% |
| Saint Johns University | $54,752 | $73,009 | +33% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota
Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (23 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $14,288 | $56,570* | $53,188 | $21,500* | — | |
| $65,457 | $66,567* | $83,775 | $19,500* | 0.29 | |
| $49,758 | $64,916* | — | $30,215* | 0.47 | |
| $52,284 | $60,323* | $68,704 | $24,600* | 0.41 | |
| $64,908 | $59,752* | $83,794 | $24,000* | 0.40 | |
| $16,488 | $56,902* | $76,116 | $21,500* | 0.38 | |
| 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 Minnesota-Morris, approximately 31% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 10 similar programs in MN. Actual outcomes may vary.