Economics at Wheaton College

Wheaton College economics graduates start strong with first-year earnings of $62,889—outperforming 80% of Illinois economics programs and ranking well ahead of the state median of $47,048. That's a $15,000+ premium over the typical Illinois economics graduate. The $21,000 median debt is also below both state and national averages, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio that works in graduates' favor.

The concern here is what happens next: earnings slip to $60,894 by year four, a modest decline that's unusual for a field where analytical skills typically command higher pay over time. This could reflect the career paths Wheaton graduates pursue—perhaps more nonprofit or mission-driven work given the college's Christian liberal arts focus—or it might simply be statistical noise with a moderate sample size. The initial earning power is real and substantial, but parents should understand their graduate may not see the typical upward trajectory.

For an anxious parent, here's the bottom line: your child will likely out-earn most Illinois economics graduates right from graduation, with manageable debt that represents just four months of first-year salary. The slight earnings dip by year four is worth monitoring, but the strong starting position and reasonable debt load make this a solid foundation for an economics career, particularly if your student values Wheaton's educational mission alongside career preparation.