Analysis
Wellesley's economics program ranks among Massachusetts's elite, placing 95th percentile statewide with first-year earnings of $86,367—$29,000 above the state median and competitive with nearby Amherst College. More impressive is the debt picture: graduates leave with just $11,190, less than half the state median of $25,000. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.13 means typical graduates could pay off their loans in under two months of salary, a remarkably clean financial position that's rare even among top-tier programs.
The earnings trajectory is notably stable rather than explosive, growing 6% over four years to $91,749. While programs at Harvard or Amherst show stronger early earnings, Wellesley's combination of strong placement and minimal debt creates an unusually low-risk proposition. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) means some year-to-year variation is possible, but the program's consistent placement in the 95th percentile nationally suggests these outcomes are reliable, not anomalous.
For families evaluating selective liberal arts colleges in the Boston area, this represents economics training that delivers on both fronts: immediate earning power that justifies the investment, and manageable debt that won't constrain post-graduation choices. The program punches at the weight of nearby Ivy League schools without saddling students with proportional debt burdens.
Where Wellesley College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all economics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Wellesley College 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wellesley College | $86,367 | $91,749 | +6% |
| Amherst College | $90,568 | $127,636 | +41% |
| Harvard University | $103,993 | $124,570 | +20% |
| Williams College | $80,888 | $115,082 | +42% |
| Tufts University | $75,125 | $105,444 | +40% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (38 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Wellesley CollegeWellesley | $64,320 | $86,367 | $91,749 | $11,190 | 0.13 |
 Harvard UniversityCambridge | $59,076 | $103,993 | $124,570 | $6,617 | 0.06 |
 Amherst CollegeAmherst | $67,280 | $90,568 | $127,636 | $16,662 | 0.18 |
 Williams CollegeWilliamstown | $64,860 | $80,888 | $115,082 | $12,925 | 0.16 |
 Tufts UniversityMedford | $67,844 | $75,125 | $105,444 | $17,850 | 0.24 |
 Boston CollegeChestnut Hill | $67,680 | $72,099 | $93,934 | $18,000 | 0.25 |
| 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 Wellesley College, approximately 21% 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 58 graduates with reported earnings and 49 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.