Compare 8 Consumer Economics. programs in the South. Average earnings: $47,256.
With top graduates earning $67,444, Consumer Economics stands out as a field where program choice matters more than school name. The gap between the best and median programs exceeds $20K—proof that evaluating programs individually beats relying on institutional prestige.
Texas Tech University's Consumer Economics program leads with graduates earning $67,444, well above the $47K average across 8 Southern programs. University of Georgia follows at $60,003, while The University of Alabama reaches $50,044—demonstrating how regional publics dominate this field regardless of overall school rankings.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Texas Tech graduates borrow $21,500 and face just a 6.6% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. That means loan payments take a minimal bite out of their post-grad income, making strong outcomes truly affordable.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Texas Tech UniversityPublic | $67,444 | 59 | $21,500 | Excellent | $23,443 | Manageable |
| #2 | University Of GeorgiaPublic | $60,003 | 138 | $18,500 | Excellent | $20,855 | Manageable |
| #3 | $50,044 | 74 | $22,750 | Good | $48,666 | High | |
| #4 | $47,117 | 26 | $20,500 | Good | $30,610 | High | |
| #5 | Texas State UniversityPublic | $44,434 | 18 | $21,000 | Manageable | $22,500 | High |
| #6 | $44,000 | 24 | $26,500 | Manageable | $22,181 | High | |
| #7 | $33,418 | 53 | $20,000 | High | $14,229 | High | |
| #8 | $31,584 | 39 | $27,000 | High | $18,771 | 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 →
