Economics at University of Utah

University of Utah economics graduates earn $64,386 in their first year—25% more than the national median and competitive with BYU despite Utah's much higher 87% admission rate. This is a rare case where an accessible state university punches above its weight in a high-value major. The debt burden of $16,642 is modest, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.26 that gives graduates real financial flexibility immediately after graduation.

The 84th national percentile ranking is impressive, though the 60th percentile within Utah reveals stronger in-state competition than you might expect from a flagship university. Still, outearning three-quarters of economics programs nationwide while keeping debt 27% below the national median makes this an efficient choice. The 6% earnings growth to $68,470 by year four isn't explosive, but the strong starting salary means graduates aren't waiting years to achieve financial stability.

For Utah residents paying in-state tuition, this represents exceptional value—strong initial earnings with manageable debt from an institution that admits most applicants. Out-of-state families should weigh whether the premium tuition cost still maintains the favorable debt picture, but the program's solid placement numbers suggest Utah has built an economics curriculum that employers respect well beyond its regional market.