Economics at University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Penn Economics graduates earn $89,000 just one year out—nearly double the Pennsylvania median for economics majors and $35,000 above the national average. This places the program in the 95th percentile both nationally and statewide, topping even Carnegie Mellon's nearby program by roughly $3,000 in first-year earnings. By year four, median earnings climb to $126,000, a 41% jump that reflects the program's strong placement into high-paying finance and consulting roles.
The financial picture is remarkably clean: just $14,000 in median debt means graduates owe about six weeks of their first-year salary. That 0.16 debt-to-earnings ratio is among the best you'll find for any bachelor's degree, let alone one at an Ivy League institution. While Penn's 6% admission rate makes this a reach for most students, the economics here couldn't be clearer—you're looking at top-tier earnings with minimal debt burden.
The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) means these numbers are reliable, though not as statistically robust as larger programs. For families who can navigate Penn's selective admissions, this program delivers exceptional return on investment from day one.
Where University of Pennsylvania Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all economics bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of Pennsylvania graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Pennsylvania graduates earn $89k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all economics bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (49 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Pennsylvania | $89,097 | $125,816 | $14,000 | 0.16 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | $86,284 | $94,093 | $22,020 | 0.26 |
| Swarthmore College | $76,944 | $105,566 | $19,500 | 0.25 |
| Drexel University | $70,967 | $83,676 | $29,000 | 0.41 |
| Bucknell University | $70,946 | $79,134 | $25,888 | 0.36 |
| Lafayette College | $68,164 | $88,504 | $19,500 | 0.29 |
| National Median | $51,722 | — | $22,816 | 0.44 |
Other Economics Programs in Pennsylvania
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh | $63,829 | $86,284 | $22,020 |
| Swarthmore College Swarthmore | $62,412 | $76,944 | $19,500 |
| Drexel University Philadelphia | $60,663 | $70,967 | $29,000 |
| Bucknell University Lewisburg | $64,772 | $70,946 | $25,888 |
| Lafayette College Easton | $62,574 | $68,164 | $19,500 |
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 Pennsylvania, approximately 16% 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 83 graduates with reported earnings and 57 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.