Economics at Willamette University

Willamette's economics program starts slow but shows strong growth potential, with graduates earning $45,993 initially but jumping to $67,830 by year four—a 48% increase that suggests the degree opens doors over time. Among Oregon's 14 economics programs, this ranks right at the state median for early earnings, though it trails Reed College and Lewis & Clark by roughly 10%. The more notable gap is with the national median of $51,722, placing Willamette in just the 27th percentile nationally.

The debt picture offers some relief: at $19,500, graduates borrow about $4,000 less than the national median for economics majors. This produces a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42, meaning first-year debt equals roughly five months of salary. That's reasonable for a liberal arts economics degree, especially given that mid-career earnings climb substantially. However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures could shift significantly year to year.

For Oregon families, this program delivers middle-of-the-pack value. The lower debt load compensates for modest starting salaries, and the earnings trajectory suggests Willamette's network and reputation gain traction after graduation. Just understand you're paying for a slower launch than you'd get at the state's flagship universities, with the payoff materializing in years three and four rather than immediately.