Business/Commerce at American Jewish University

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61 sits in reasonable territory for a business degree, though the estimated figures here—drawn from other California business programs—mask considerable variation. Top programs in the state like University of Redlands push first-year earnings above $72,000, while others cluster closer to the $47,000 mark where this program appears to land. With just 15 business bachelor's programs in California providing data, and American Jewish University's outcomes suppressed due to small cohort size, parents are essentially betting on whether their child will match the state median or fall short.

The estimated $28,619 in debt aligns closely with the national median for business degrees, suggesting manageable monthly payments if earnings materialize as projected. But here's the catch: comparable programs in California produce wildly different outcomes, and you won't know which trajectory your student is on until they're job-hunting. The school's low Pell enrollment (12%) suggests a different student profile than many state universities, which could signal better networking opportunities or simply a wealthier peer group—neither of which guarantees career outcomes.

Before committing, push the school for actual graduate outcomes, even if anecdotal. Ask about employer partnerships in Los Angeles, internship placement rates, and where recent alumni landed jobs. Without school-specific data, you're relying on faith that this program performs at least as well as the California median—a gamble that feels less comfortable when stronger programs in the same market are posting 50% higher earnings.