Program Analysis
Graduates earn $59,752/yr, edging above the $53,966 national average for Economics — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.
An earnings multiple of 3.3x means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition, but not by a dramatic margin. Returns are positive but modest.
Some AI exposure exists in Economics's typical career paths, with 56% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 20% gap from the optimistic case.
At $24,000 in median debt against $59,752 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.
Ranked #189 of 351 Economics programs, Macalester College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Five-year earnings of $97,301 show a 63% jump from the $59,752 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.