Analysis
At $60,323 out of the gate, St. Thomas economics graduates earn about $4,000 more than the Minnesota median and roughly $9,000 above the national benchmarkβsolid performance for a school with an 85% acceptance rate. They're also entering the workforce with debt right at the state median, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41. Within Minnesota's competitive landscape, this program sits comfortably in the middle tier, behind prestigious liberal arts colleges like Carleton and Macalester but delivering comparable outcomes to the University of Minnesota's much larger program.
The earnings trajectory shows healthy growth, with graduates reaching nearly $69,000 by year four. That 14% bump suggests these graduates are advancing in their careers, not just treading water. For families paying private school tuition, it's worth noting you're getting outcomes that justify the premiumβthese aren't just Minnesota-average results with a higher price tag.
The straightforward takeaway: This is a reliably strong economics program that delivers above-average earnings without burying students in debt. Parents should feel confident their investment will pay off, particularly if their child values the smaller class sizes and networking opportunities that come with St. Thomas's private school environment over the scale of a flagship state university.
Where University of St Thomas Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all economics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of St Thomas graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of St Thomas | $60,323 | $68,704 | +14% |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $52,284 | $60,323 | $68,704 | $24,600 | 0.41 | |
| $65,457 | $66,567 | $83,775 | $19,500 | 0.29 | |
| $49,758 | $64,916 | β | $30,215 | 0.47 | |
| $64,908 | $59,752 | $83,794 | $24,000 | 0.40 | |
| $16,488 | $56,902 | $76,116 | $21,500 | 0.38 | |
| $56,970 | $56,238 | $69,672 | $27,000 | 0.48 | |
| National Median | β | $51,722 | β | $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 St Thomas, approximately 20% 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 43 graduates with reported earnings and 50 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.