Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree) at Arcadia University

Est. Earnings (1yr)Estimated

$47,041

Est. from PA median (64 programs)

Est. Median DebtEstimated

$27,000

Est. from PA median (53 programs)

Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.

Analysis

Pennsylvania's business programs show a vast range—from Carnegie Mellon's $96,000 starters to typical outcomes around $47,000—and Arcadia appears positioned in the middle tier. Based on comparable PA business programs, graduates here likely earn around $47,000 in their first year with median debt near $27,000. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57 sits comfortably below the concerning 1.0 threshold, suggesting manageable loan payments relative to income.

The challenge is understanding what differentiates a $47,000 outcome from the $62,000-plus results at Pittsburgh or the stratospheric earnings at elite programs nearby. Without actual data from Arcadia's own graduates, it's difficult to know whether this program builds the recruiting relationships, specializations, or career placement support that justify premium tuition at a private university. Business degrees live and die by employer connections and alumni networks—factors that don't show up in statewide medians.

For families weighing this investment, the estimated figures suggest financial viability but not obvious advantage. If your student can access Pennsylvania's top-tier business programs, the earnings premium is substantial and documented. If Arcadia is the choice, dig into placement rates, internship pipelines, and where recent graduates actually landed jobs—the school-specific outcomes that these estimates can't capture.

Where Arcadia University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania

Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (82 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Arcadia UniversityGlenside	$48,290	$47,041*	—	$27,000*	—
Carnegie Mellon UniversityPittsburgh	$63,829	$95,891*	$123,200	$23,250*	0.24
University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia	$66,104	$91,443*	$90,686	$20,348*	0.22
Lehigh UniversityBethlehem	$62,180	$69,289*	$86,039	$20,500*	0.30
Franklin and Marshall CollegeLancaster	$68,380	$64,664*	$77,821	$19,500*	0.30
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh CampusPittsburgh	$21,524	$62,675*	$74,000	$21,000*	0.34
National Median	—	$45,703*	—	$26,000*	0.57

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with business administration, management and operations graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Water Resource Specialists

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Compensation and Benefits Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.

$140,360/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Human Resources Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.

$140,030/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Sales Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.

$138,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Arcadia University, approximately 28% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 64 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.