Economics Degree in Memphis, TN — Salary & ROI 2026
Economics degree analysis for Memphis, TN. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.
Starting Salary
$60K
COL-adjusted
Mid-Career
$93K
COL-adjusted
ROI Payback
3.5 yrs
in Memphis
Cost of Living
93
index (100 = avg)
Economics in Memphis, TN Overview
Memphis is one of Tennessee's top college towns, with 22 institutions and a student population of 42,935. Public tuition averages $9,944/year here — well below the national average, making it a cost-effective choice. Economics enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Econometrics and Statistical Analysis. The adjusted starting salary in Memphis is approximately $60,450, growing to $93,000 by mid-career.
Category
Business
Local Colleges
22
Public Tuition
$9,944/yr
Private Tuition
$44,033/yr
Room & Board
$14,138/yr
Avg Fin. Aid
$10,619/yr
Unemployment
3%
Graduation Rate
72%
Economics Salary in Memphis (COL-Adjusted)
Salaries adjusted for Memphis's cost of living index of 93 (national average = 100).
Note: National average Economics salary: $65,000 starting, $100,000 mid-career, $130,000 senior level.Memphis adjustment factor: 0.93x based on the local cost of living index.
Economics ROI Calculator for Memphis
Estimate your return on investment for a Economics degree using local Memphis tuition and cost of living data.
Public avg: $9,944 | Private avg: $44,033
Memphis avg aid: $10,619/yr
Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%
Total Education Cost
$96,328
tuition + room & board - aid
Annual Earnings Premium
$27,900
vs HS diploma in Memphis
ROI Payback Period
3.5 years
to break even
Lifetime Return in Memphis
$694,172
Lifetime earnings premium ($790,500) minus total education cost ($96,328)
Student Loan Payoff for Economics in Memphis
Standard Plan (10 years)
Aggressive Plan (5 years)
Colleges in Memphis for Economics
University of Memphis
public
$9,944/yr
$39,776 total
Rhodes College
private
$52,366/yr
$209,464 total
Christian Brothers University
private
$35,700/yr
$142,800 total
Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)
Southwest Tennessee Community College
$4,464/yr
Top Employers for Economics in Memphis
Memphis offers opportunities in Financial services, Consulting firms, Fortune 500 companies for Economics graduates. National top employers in this field include:
Key Memphis Hiring Sectors for Business
Financial services
Consulting firms
Fortune 500 companies
Startups
Marketing agencies
Common Economics Job Titles
Economics in Nearby Tennessee Cities
Nashville, TN
$60K starting · COL 92
35 colleges
Knoxville, TN
$55K starting · COL 85
5 colleges
Chattanooga, TN
$52K starting · COL 80
5 colleges
Clarksville, TN
$59K starting · COL 90
9 colleges
Murfreesboro, TN
$59K starting · COL 91
10 colleges
Franklin, TN
$77K starting · COL 118.5
4 colleges
Jackson, TN
$54K starting · COL 82.5
3 colleges
Johnson City, TN
$68K starting · COL 105
6 colleges
Other Business Majors in Memphis
Business Analytics
$73K starting · 2 yr ROI
Finance
$65K starting · 3.5 yr ROI
Information Systems
$47K starting · 3.3 yr ROI
Supply Chain Management
$47K starting · 3.5 yr ROI
Operations Management
$47K starting · 3.8 yr ROI
Accounting
$58K starting · 3.8 yr ROI
Real Estate
$47K starting · 4 yr ROI
Business Administration
$54K starting · 4.2 yr ROI
Methodology & Education Data Sources
How we calculate Economics degree outcomes in Memphis, TN: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.
- Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Economics programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Tennessee.
- Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Memphis using regional CPI data.
- 10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
- Job market outlook for Economics graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
- Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Economics career projections
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Economics grads
Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release
Financial Aid Resources for Memphis Students
Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Tennessee students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:
Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):
State-specific grants stack with federal aid:
- • USA.gov — Tennessee programs
- • NASFAA — State Aid Programs
- • Search "tennessee higher education commission grants"
Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:
- • College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
- • NCES College Navigator
- • IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center
Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:
2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.
Economics Degree in Memphis — FAQ
Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.
Explore More
Compare Economics ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Memphis.