Economics at Winona State University

In Minnesota, economics programs show considerable variation in outcomes, with top-tier schools like Carleton and St. Catherine producing first-year earnings above $64,000. Based on comparable programs across the state, Winona State economics graduates appear to start around $56,570—roughly matching the state median and notably exceeding the national benchmark of $51,722. That's a solid regional showing, though below the state's elite liberal arts colleges.

The estimated $21,500 in debt is actually lower than both state and national medians for economics degrees, yielding a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38. This suggests graduates from similar programs would be earning more than twice what they owe—a manageable financial position for starting a career in business, finance, or policy work. The lighter debt burden matters particularly for economics majors who might pursue graduate education or take lower-paying entry positions in nonprofit or government sectors.

The challenge is uncertainty: these figures come from peer programs in Minnesota, not Winona State's specific track record. If you're seriously considering this program, request placement data directly from the economics department—where do recent graduates actually work, and what are they earning? The estimated numbers suggest reasonable value, but confirming those outcomes with actual alumni experiences would turn this from an educated guess into an informed decision.