Analysis
Similar Management Sciences programs across Pennsylvania suggest first-year earnings around $73,500—a figure that positions this field competitively within the state. That estimate comes from nine comparable bachelor's programs in PA, and it tracks closely with what graduates from Temple and Drexel actually report. The projected debt load of $26,431 creates a manageable 0.36 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning roughly four months of gross income to cover the total educational investment.
What makes this estimate particularly relevant is how consistently Management Sciences programs perform across Pennsylvania institutions. The statewide pattern shows earnings clustering in the low-to-mid $70,000s for most schools, with only Penn's specialized Wharton program creating significant separation above that band. For families considering Arcadia specifically, this suggests the field itself—rather than institutional prestige—drives much of the earning potential, which is promising given the university's 79% admission rate and reasonable cost structure.
The financial framework here looks fundamentally sound based on peer outcomes: debt stays well below the one-year earnings threshold, and the field demonstrates consistent demand in Pennsylvania's economy. The uncertainty lies in whether Arcadia's specific program performs at, above, or below the state median—something only actual graduate outcomes would reveal. If your child thrives in analytical, data-driven work, the estimated numbers suggest this path carries acceptable financial risk.
Where Arcadia University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all management sciences and quantitative methods bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (29 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $48,290 | $73,497* | — | $26,431* | — | |
| $66,104 | $104,502* | — | $15,750* | 0.15 | |
| $64,701 | $76,606* | — | $27,000* | 0.35 | |
| $22,082 | $74,778* | $86,666 | $26,000* | 0.35 | |
| $60,663 | $74,357* | $86,702 | $28,750* | 0.39 | |
| $50,320 | $73,497* | — | $27,000* | 0.37 | |
| National Median | — | $62,069* | — | $23,250* | 0.37 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with management sciences and quantitative methods graduates
Actuaries
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Chief Executives
Chief Sustainability Officers
General and Operations Managers
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Financial Risk Specialists
Management Analysts
Operations Research Analysts
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 9 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.