Economics at Westfield State University

Westfield State's economics program starts slow but accelerates impressively—graduates earn $41,085 initially, then jump to nearly $60,000 four years out, a 45% gain that outpaces typical career trajectories. The catch? That first year sits well below both the national median ($51,722) and Massachusetts median ($57,299), ranking in just the 25th percentile among Bay State economics programs. With elite alternatives like Harvard and Amherst in the same state market, Westfield graduates face meaningful competition early on.

The $25,000 debt load is exactly average for Massachusetts economics programs and slightly above the national median, translating to a manageable 0.61 ratio to first-year earnings. This isn't a debt crisis scenario, but the combination of below-average starting salary and moderate debt means your child would likely need to live frugally that first year or two. The strong earnings growth suggests the degree builds valuable skills, though it's unclear why the market initially undervalues these graduates compared to peers.

For families prioritizing affordability at a public institution with reasonable debt, this works—especially if your child can weather a modest start. But if they're competitive for UMass Amherst or the state's stronger private programs, those would likely deliver better immediate returns without dramatically different debt burdens.