Analysis
Ohio economics programs typically produce first-year earnings around $51,500, and Toledo's estimated figures hit that mark precisely—but the debt picture looks notably better than most. Based on comparable programs at similar schools, Toledo graduates likely carry about $20,500 in debt, roughly $2,600 less than the state median for economics majors. That 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable by any standard, suggesting graduates could realistically pay off their loans within a few years of entering the workforce.
The earnings estimate, while solid, places Toledo in the middle of Ohio's economics programs rather than at the top. John Carroll and Oberlin graduates earn $10,000-$14,000 more in their first year, though those schools likely charge significantly higher tuition. The real question is whether Toledo's lower debt load offsets its middle-tier earnings potential—and for many families, that trade-off makes sense. With a 95% admission rate, Toledo offers accessible entry into economics without the credential crushing debt that can derail early-career financial stability.
For families weighing this program, the estimated numbers suggest a reasonable starting point: moderate earnings paired with manageable debt. The uncertainty here—these figures are based on peer programs, not Toledo's actual graduates—means you'll want to verify job placement rates and alumni outcomes directly with the department before committing.
Where University of Toledo Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all economics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (42 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12,377 | $51,537* | — | $20,507* | — | |
| $49,100 | $65,098* | $67,845 | $27,000* | 0.41 | |
| $64,646 | $61,713* | $64,495 | $25,000* | 0.41 | |
| $13,570 | $58,590* | $70,663 | $21,264* | 0.36 | |
| $69,330 | $58,082* | $75,347 | $18,718* | 0.32 | |
| $17,809 | $57,379* | $80,452 | $25,500* | 0.44 | |
| 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 Toledo, approximately 26% 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 18 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.