Economics at University of Scranton

Based on comparable Economics programs across Pennsylvania, University of Scranton graduates can expect to start near $53,400—solidly in the middle for the state but trailing the elite programs by substantial margins. Penn and Carnegie Mellon graduates earn roughly $35,000 more in their first year, highlighting how much the institutional brand matters in economics. Meanwhile, Scranton's estimated debt load of $26,368 sits slightly above the state median, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio just under 0.5—manageable but not exceptional for a field that typically leads to finance, consulting, or analytical roles.

The admissions profile here tells an important part of the story. With an 84% acceptance rate and middle-tier test scores, Scranton serves a different student population than Pennsylvania's ultra-selective programs. That doesn't make it a poor choice, but it does mean your child won't benefit from the alumni networks and recruiting pipelines that drive six-figure starting salaries at places like Penn or Swarthmore. For students who need a more accessible entry point into economics and can secure internships or graduate school placements on their own initiative, the numbers work reasonably well.

The key question is opportunity cost. If your child can gain admission to one of Pennsylvania's top-tier programs for economics, the earnings premium likely justifies any additional cost. If not, Scranton offers what appears to be a standard middle-market economics education at a moderate debt level—functional for launching a career, but unlikely to accelerate it dramatically.