Analysis
UVA's economics degree commands nearly $75,000 in starting salary—about $20,000 more than Virginia's median for the major and 45% above the national benchmark. Among Virginia's 28 economics programs, this places in the 80th percentile, trailing only Washington and Lee and William & Mary. Nationally, it ranks in the 95th percentile. With just $19,000 in median debt and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.25, graduates can realistically pay off their loans within months of starting work.
The $74,958 first-year figure grows to $80,369 by year four—modest but steady growth that reflects economics majors' tendency to start strong out of the gate. What's remarkable is the combination: elite-level earnings without the crushing debt loads seen at many highly selective schools. The 17% admission rate signals you're paying for quality, but unlike some peer institutions, the debt burden remains manageable even for families without significant resources.
For Virginia families weighing in-state options, this represents one of the strongest economics programs available, particularly when considering the debt-to-earnings tradeoff. The program delivers on UVA's academic reputation with tangible financial returns that put most graduates on secure footing from day one.
Where University of Virginia-Main Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all economics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Virginia-Main Campus 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 Virginia-Main Campus | $74,958 | $80,369 | +7% |
| Washington and Lee University | $71,737 | $110,050 | +53% |
| University of Richmond | $61,027 | $102,501 | +68% |
| James Madison University | $62,286 | $86,390 | +39% |
| George Mason University | $53,024 | $80,423 | +52% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia
Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (28 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Virginia-Main CampusCharlottesville | $20,986 | $74,958 | $80,369 | $19,000 | 0.25 |
 Washington and Lee UniversityLexington | $64,525 | $71,737 | $110,050 | $23,399 | 0.33 |
 William & MaryWilliamsburg | $25,040 | $65,603 | $72,419 | $19,678 | 0.30 |
 James Madison UniversityHarrisonburg | $13,576 | $62,286 | $86,390 | $18,575 | 0.30 |
 University of RichmondUniversity of Richmond | $62,600 | $61,027 | $102,501 | $23,000 | 0.38 |
 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBlacksburg | $15,478 | $56,261 | $75,051 | $22,500 | 0.40 |
| 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 Virginia-Main Campus, approximately 14% 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 139 graduates with reported earnings and 133 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.