General Sales, Merchandising at American Public University System

American Public University System's online sales and merchandising program produces graduates earning $65,639 their first year out—notably higher than the $53,448 national median and ranking in the 77th percentile nationally. That's solid income for a business degree. However, the $45,429 median debt load is concerning, sitting nearly double the national median of $24,649 and placing this program in the 95th percentile for debt burden. The 0.69 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates carry debt equivalent to about 8 months of their first-year salary.

The graduate sample is small—under 30 students—which means these figures could swing significantly year to year. It's also worth noting this is West Virginia's only bachelor's program in this field, making direct state comparisons impossible. The higher debt likely reflects the cost structure of this for-profit online institution compared to traditional state schools.

For families comfortable with the debt level, graduates are entering the workforce at competitive salaries. But with debt nearly twice the national norm, this program demands careful financial planning. Students should exhaust federal aid options and consider whether they can minimize borrowing through employer tuition assistance or accelerated completion.