Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 suggests a manageable financial foundation for this economics degree, but the full picture requires acknowledging significant uncertainty. The estimated $21,125 in debt falls below the national median for business economics programs ($22,250), while the projected $53,219 first-year earnings aligns precisely with the national median. These figures come from comparable programs nationwide since Wyoming only has one school offering this credential, meaning there's no state-level data to validate whether University of Wyoming's outcomes match, exceed, or lag behind typical results.
The practical challenge is Wyoming's small market. Without reported data from UW itself or peer programs in the state, families are essentially betting that a business economics degree from a 97%-admission public university will perform at the national average. The 0.40 debt ratio would allow graduates to manage loan payments comfortably—assuming earnings materialize as projected—but there's no track record here to confirm whether Wyoming's job market supports these salary expectations for this specific major.
For families comfortable with uncertainty, the financial framework appears sound: debt stays modest relative to potential income. However, you're investing based on national patterns rather than proven outcomes from this program. If your student is committed to working in Wyoming after graduation, research whether local employers specifically recruit business economics graduates, or if the more common business administration or accounting paths offer clearer placement records.
Where University of Wyoming Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/managerial economics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Business/Managerial Economics bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,938 | $53,219* | — | $21,125* | — | |
| $62,982 | $106,701* | — | —* | — | |
| $13,747 | $83,604* | $92,873 | $17,332* | 0.21 | |
| $64,701 | $82,212* | $122,309 | $27,000* | 0.33 | |
| $62,180 | $81,796* | $101,741 | $23,240* | 0.28 | |
| $6,496 | $75,227* | $97,349 | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $53,219* | — | $22,250* | 0.42 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/managerial economics graduates
Economists
Environmental Economists
Financial Risk Specialists
Management Analysts
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
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 Wyoming, approximately 22% 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 national median of 81 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.