Economics at Youngstown State University

Based on comparable economics programs across Ohio, Youngstown State appears to deliver solid returns at a reasonable price. Similar programs in the state produce first-year earnings around $51,500—right in line with the national median—while the estimated debt load of $20,500 sits notably below both state and national benchmarks. That 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests graduates could realistically pay off their loans within a year or two of focused repayment, a practical advantage that shouldn't be overlooked.

The challenge is context: Ohio's top-performing economics programs—places like John Carroll and Oberlin—report earnings $10,000 to $14,000 higher in that first year. But those schools typically come with higher price tags and more selective admissions. For families weighing value, Youngstown State's combination of an 80% admission rate and lower estimated debt creates a different calculation: less competitive entry and potentially faster financial independence after graduation.

The caveat matters here: these figures come from peer programs, not Youngstown State's own graduates, so you're working with educated guesses rather than track record. If economics is the goal and debt management is a priority, this program likely delivers decent value. But if maximizing early earnings is critical, the data suggests looking at Ohio's higher-tier programs—provided you can get in and afford them without substantially more borrowing.