Program Analysis
Starting salaries of $40,445/yr fall 25% below the $53,966 national median for Economics. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.
The 4.6x 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 15% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $27,000 debt-to-$40,445 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
At #318 out of 351 programs, Hendrix College's financial outcomes for Economics trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth from $40,445 to $69,847 over five years (73% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.