Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $51,077 track close to the $53,966 national median for Economics programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
The 3.8x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.
AI risk is moderate — 56% task exposure — and the 18% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $27,000 debt-to-$51,077 income ratio translates to about 6 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
At #229 out of 351 programs, Centre College's financial outcomes for Economics trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth from $51,077 to $84,284 over five years (65% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.