Economics at Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Based on comparable economics programs in Massachusetts, WPI graduates can expect first-year earnings around $57,000—a figure that aligns with the state median but falls well short of what elite liberal arts colleges and research universities produce. The real standout programs in Massachusetts, like Harvard and Amherst, generate nearly double these returns, creating a significant earnings gap that's worth understanding given WPI's technical focus and strong reputation in engineering fields.

The estimated debt load of $24,500 translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43, suggesting graduates could reasonably pay down loans within a few years of starting work. This positions the program as financially viable, though not exceptional—you're looking at typical outcomes for economics degrees in Massachusetts, where the field tends to generate solid but not spectacular returns for most programs outside the Ivy League tier.

The critical question is whether WPI's STEM-focused environment adds unique value to an economics degree. With only 10% of students receiving Pell grants and a 59% admission rate, you're paying for access to a selective technical institution. If your child plans to combine economics with data science, analytics, or quantitative skills where WPI excels, that integration could justify the investment. But if they're pursuing traditional economics alone, these estimated figures suggest the program performs at the middle of the pack rather than leveraging WPI's technical strengths for outsized returns.