Economics at University of Virginia-Main Campus

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.