Analysis
Washington State University's Business/Managerial Economics bachelor's program appears to deliver outcomes closely aligned with national norms for this major. Based on comparable programs nationwide, graduates can expect first-year earnings around $53,200 with debt near $21,100—producing a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.4 that falls within a reasonable range for a four-year business degree. The estimated figures place this program squarely at the national median, neither exceptional nor concerning relative to the 271 similar programs tracked nationally.
The challenge for parents evaluating this program is the lack of Washington-specific comparison points. With only four schools in the state offering Business/Managerial Economics degrees and no reported outcome data available for peer institutions, it's difficult to assess whether WSU's Pullman campus offers particular advantages or disadvantages within the regional market. The estimated earnings suggest a manageable debt load—graduates would need to allocate roughly 40% of their first year's income to repay their loans—but these projections don't account for how WSU's specific curriculum, employer networks, or geographic location might differentiate outcomes.
For families weighing this investment, the key question is whether WSU's broader institutional strengths justify choosing this program over business economics offerings at other Washington universities where actual graduate outcomes might be available. The estimation here means you're placing some trust in national averages applying locally.
Where Washington State University 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12,997 | $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 Washington State University, 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 national median of 81 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.