Business Administration, Management and Operations at Alliant International University-San Diego

The estimated debt load here—$44,592 for a business degree—sits more than double California's typical debt for this field. While peer programs in the state suggest first-year earnings around $49,543, that nearly 1:1 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates would be carrying the equivalent of their entire first year's salary in loans. For context, the state median debt for business bachelor's programs is just $21,000, less than half what Alliant students likely face.

Similar business programs across California show a wide range of outcomes. The state's top programs launch graduates into substantially higher earnings—UC Berkeley and Golden Gate University grads earn $70,000-$90,000 in their first year—which makes even heavier debt loads more manageable. At the estimated earnings level here, monthly loan payments would consume a significant chunk of take-home pay, particularly given San Diego's high cost of living.

The fundamental question is whether this program justifies borrowing twice what comparable California business students typically take on. Without actual outcomes data for Alliant's specific cohorts, you're betting that their program performs similarly to the state median for earnings while accepting debt that's far above average. That's a risky proposition when dozens of California schools produce business graduates with similar earnings projections but half the debt burden.