The potential earnings of economics graduates vary significantly depending on the institution where the degree is earned, according to recent data highlighting median incomes across several U.S. universities.

At Duke University, economics majors have the highest reported median income of $161,149, closely followed by Princeton University, where graduates in the same field can expect a median income of $160,763. Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh also reported a relatively high median income for economics majors, at $144,886.

In contrast, other institutions show considerably lower median earnings for economics graduates. Indiana University’s Bloomington campus reported a median income of $99,653, while Drexel University’s economics majors earned a median of $98,178. Auburn University recorded the lowest median income among the group, at $72,617.

The income gap for economics majors across these six schools reaches as much as $88,532, illustrating a substantial disparity in earning potential tied to the institution attended. This variation reflects broader trends observed in recent studies that link future earnings to both the choice of major and the university's profile.

Experts caution that median income figures can be influenced by a range of factors, including geographic location, industry connections, alumni networks, and local economic conditions. Additionally, differences in reporting methods and graduate sample sizes may contribute to the variations seen.

Similar wide disparities are evident across other academic majors as well, underscoring the importance for prospective students to consider both the field of study and the institutional context when evaluating potential return on investment for higher education. Further detailed comparisons are available in the broader guide accompanying these findings.