Business/Managerial Economics at Westmont College

Westmont's business economics graduates start at solid middle-class salaries, then see their earnings jump 45% by year four—one of the stronger growth trajectories you'll find in this field. That $78,938 four-year mark puts graduates within striking distance of UCLA's program while carrying significantly less debt.

The numbers tell a story of reasonable upfront costs meeting strong momentum. At $25,000 in debt—just $7,000 above California's median for this major—graduates face manageable monthly payments from day one. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 means less than half of first-year salary goes to covering total educational debt, well below concerning thresholds. For context, Westmont ranks in the 60th percentile among California's 18 business economics programs, essentially splitting the difference between mid-tier UCs and lower-performing alternatives.

The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) limits statistical certainty somewhat, but the earnings pattern suggests Westmont graduates are accessing career tracks with real advancement potential. For families weighing a private college investment against UC alternatives, this program delivers comparable early outcomes without the brutal admission odds, then shows notably stronger growth than most state options. If your child thrives in smaller academic settings and you can manage the debt load, this represents a practical path to upper-middle-class earnings within four years of graduation.