Business/Managerial Economics at University of North Carolina at Charlotte

UNC Charlotte's business economics graduates start behind the national curve at $43,826, trailing the typical program by nearly $10,000. But here's what matters for North Carolina families: this lands right at the state median, and the 38% earnings jump to $60,549 by year four outpaces most competitors. While NC State grads earn $60,000 from day one, Charlotte students essentially catch up within four years—a pattern that suggests strong regional employer relationships kicking in after initial entry-level positions.

The debt picture is manageable. At $23,250, it matches both state and national medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53 that allows realistic repayment. Combined with the accessible 80% admission rate, this program serves as a practical path into business careers for middle-income families (34% receive Pell grants). The trajectory matters more than the starting point here.

The concern is that starting salary gap. If your child needs immediate earning power—say, to support family or cover living expenses right after graduation—programs like NC State deliver faster returns. But for students who can weather two or three years of modest starting salaries, Charlotte offers a viable route to solid mid-career earnings at a debt load that won't derail financial independence. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) adds some uncertainty, but the four-year outcomes suggest this program delivers on its promise of mobility over time.