Compare 7 Consumer Economics. programs in the Midwest. Average earnings: $47,131.
Consumer Economics programs produce graduates earning between $36,424 and $63,412—a $27K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 7 ranked programs in the Midwest, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
University of Missouri-Columbia's Consumer Economics program leads with graduates earning $63,412, significantly above the regional average of $47,131. Ohio State follows at $56,870, while University of Minnesota-Twin Cities delivers $46,840—proving that program-level factors drive outcomes more than overall school rankings.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. University of Missouri-Columbia graduates borrow $20,500 and face just a 6.9% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. That means loan payments take a minimal bite out of their post-grad income, making it both the top earner and best value choice.
Highest program earnings: $63,412
Strong outcomes ($63,412) with 77% acceptance
6.9% payment burden | Excellent
19.4% family burden | Challenging
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $63,412 | 55 | $20,500 | Excellent | $32,529 | Challenging | |
| #2 | $56,870 | 78 | $19,976 | Excellent | $25,868 | Challenging | |
| #3 | $46,840 | 71 | $19,500 | Good | $25,729 | High | |
| #4 | $45,377 | 18 | $23,250 | Manageable | $18,000 | High | |
| #5 | Iowa State UniversityPublic | $41,565 | 16 | $22,869 | Manageable | $25,950 | High |
| #6 | $39,428 | 163 | $21,000 | Manageable | $25,798 | High | |
| #7 | $36,424 | 45 | $19,500 | Challenging | $14,457 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
