Business/Commerce at Albion College

Looking at comparable business programs across Michigan, the estimated $22,581 in debt sits well below both the state median of $26,625 and the national figure of $26,000—a meaningful advantage for a private liberal arts college where students often carry higher borrowing loads. The estimated first-year earnings of nearly $50,000 align with Michigan's median for business bachelor's programs, suggesting Albion's graduates enter the job market on competitive footing despite the school's high acceptance rate.

The 0.45 debt-to-earnings ratio falls into comfortable territory—the kind of balance where loan payments won't dominate your child's early-career budget. With 45% of students receiving Pell grants, Albion appears to serve a broader economic range than many private colleges while keeping debt estimates reasonable. The school's estimated outcomes land right at state medians, which means graduates aren't necessarily catching the premium that top Michigan business programs like Oakland or Walsh deliver, but they're avoiding the debt trap that sometimes accompanies private college credentials.

The caveat: these figures come from peer institutions because Albion's own graduate cohort was too small to report publicly. That smaller program size could mean more personalized attention or simply less predictable outcomes. For families weighing the private college experience against cost, the estimated debt level makes this program financially viable if your child values Albion's broader liberal arts environment—just don't expect the earnings boost that Michigan's specialized business schools appear to generate.