Economics at Williams College
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Williams College economics graduates earn $80,888 in their first year—56% above the national median and 41% higher than the typical Massachusetts economics program. Among the state's 38 economics programs, Williams ranks in the 80th percentile, trailing only elite peers like Harvard and Amherst. The real story emerges four years out: earnings jump to $115,082, a 42% increase that suggests graduates are securing roles with genuine advancement potential rather than hitting a ceiling.
The debt picture makes this especially compelling. At $12,925, graduates carry roughly half the typical debt load for economics majors in Massachusetts ($25,000) and nearly half the national median ($22,816). With first-year earnings covering the entire debt load six times over, most graduates face minimal financial strain even as they launch careers in high-cost Boston or New York markets.
The caveat: Williams admits just 10% of applicants with near-perfect academic credentials. For students who can gain admission, the economics program delivers exceptional returns with minimal debt burden. The combination of immediate earning power and strong earnings trajectory positions graduates competitively against peer institutions while keeping educational debt manageable—a rare pairing that justifies the program's selective reputation.
Where Williams College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all economics bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Williams College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Williams College graduates earn $81k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all economics bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (38 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Williams College | $80,888 | $115,082 | $12,925 | 0.16 |
| Harvard University | $103,993 | $124,570 | $6,617 | 0.06 |
| Amherst College | $90,568 | $127,636 | $16,662 | 0.18 |
| Wellesley College | $86,367 | $91,749 | $11,190 | 0.13 |
| Tufts University | $75,125 | $105,444 | $17,850 | 0.24 |
| Boston College | $72,099 | $93,934 | $18,000 | 0.25 |
| National Median | $51,722 | — | $22,816 | 0.44 |
Other Economics Programs in Massachusetts
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Massachusetts schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harvard University Cambridge | $59,076 | $103,993 | $6,617 |
| Amherst College Amherst | $67,280 | $90,568 | $16,662 |
| Wellesley College Wellesley | $64,320 | $86,367 | $11,190 |
| Tufts University Medford | $67,844 | $75,125 | $17,850 |
| Boston College Chestnut Hill | $67,680 | $72,099 | $18,000 |
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 Williams College, approximately 17% 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 79 graduates with reported earnings and 46 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.