Analysis
New York's economics programs cluster around $50,000 in first-year earnings, and data from comparable programs suggests Yeshiva's graduates land near this middle ground—adequate but nowhere near the elite tier. While Columbia and Cornell economics graduates command $80,000-plus starting salaries, programs like Yeshiva's typically produce outcomes closer to the state median. The estimated $25,000 in debt is manageable at roughly half of first-year earnings, though still slightly above what typical New York economics graduates carry.
The gap between Yeshiva and New York's top programs is substantial—we're talking about $30,000-plus differences in starting salaries. For a school with a 1410 average SAT and 64% admission rate, this positioning raises questions about career services effectiveness and employer pipelines. Economics majors at selective schools often leverage alumni networks and campus recruiting that translate into tangible salary premiums, advantages that don't appear to materialize here based on peer program outcomes.
The practical reality: if your child is considering economics as a pre-professional pathway to finance or consulting, scrutinize whether Yeshiva provides the recruitment access that justifies attendance over a less expensive in-state option. The debt won't derail their future, but at these estimated earnings levels, they'll be competing for entry-level positions that many peers secure at significantly lower cost elsewhere in the state.
Where Yeshiva University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all economics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (74 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $49,900 | $50,059* | — | $25,000* | — | |
| $66,246 | $85,860* | $103,309 | $16,750* | 0.20 | |
| $66,014 | $84,967* | $107,248 | $15,500* | 0.18 | |
| $69,045 | $83,135* | $117,355 | $25,000* | 0.30 | |
| $67,805 | $79,845* | $81,561 | $19,000* | 0.24 | |
| $67,024 | $77,274* | $103,456 | $17,500* | 0.23 | |
| National Median | — | $51,722* | — | $22,816* | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with economics graduates
Economists
Environmental Economists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
Search Marketing Strategists
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Survey Researchers
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 Yeshiva University, approximately 14% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 36 similar programs in NY. Actual outcomes may vary.