Est. Earnings (1yr)
$53,219
Est. from national median (81 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$21,125
Est. from national median (58 programs)

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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Washington State UniversityPullman$12,997$53,219*$21,125*
Washington University in St LouisSt. Louis$62,982$106,701**
University of California-Los AngelesLos Angeles$13,747$83,604*$92,873$17,332*0.21
Villanova UniversityVillanova$64,701$82,212*$122,309$27,000*0.33
Lehigh UniversityBethlehem$62,180$81,796*$101,741$23,240*0.28
Brigham Young UniversityProvo$6,496$75,227*$97,349*
National Median$53,219*$22,250*0.42
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with business/managerial economics graduates

Economists

Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Environmental Economists

Conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources. Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of alternative options using economic principles and statistical techniques.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Management Analysts

Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants.

$101,190/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Economics Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in economics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Survey Researchers

Plan, develop, or conduct surveys. May analyze and interpret the meaning of survey data, determine survey objectives, or suggest or test question wording. Includes social scientists who primarily design questionnaires or supervise survey teams.

$63,380/yrJobs growth:Master's degree
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.