Analysis
Ashford's Business/Managerial Economics program reports striking numbers—graduates earning $66,360 within a year, placing them in the 95th percentile nationally. But there's a catch: with fewer than 30 graduates in this data, we're looking at a very limited sample that may not represent the typical student experience. The program's debt load of $36,551 is notably higher than California's $18,000 median for this major, though the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55 remains manageable given the strong initial salaries.
What's puzzling is the state context. Despite ranking in the top 5% nationally, these graduates land only in the 60th percentile among California programs—meaning this is solid performance for the state, but nothing exceptional. UC Davis and UCLA graduates are earning significantly more, suggesting that Ashford's high national ranking reflects how competitive California's business economics programs are rather than Ashford's unique strength.
The small sample size is the elephant in the room here. With so few graduates, one or two high earners could skew the entire picture. Before betting $36,551 in debt on these outcomes, ask admissions for more detailed data: How many years does this sample cover? What industries do graduates enter? The reported earnings are encouraging, but you need confidence that they reflect a consistent pattern rather than a statistical fluke.
Where Ashford University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/managerial economics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Ashford University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ashford University | $66,360 | $70,643 | +6% |
| University of California-Los Angeles | $83,604 | $92,873 | +11% |
| Westmont College | $54,457 | $78,938 | +45% |
| University of California-Santa Cruz | $52,029 | $78,567 | +51% |
| University of California-Davis | $54,546 | $78,081 | +43% |
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Business/Managerial Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (18 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Ashford UniversitySan Diego | $13,160 | $66,360 | $70,643 | $36,551 | 0.55 |
 University of California-Los AngelesLos Angeles | $13,747 | $83,604 | $92,873 | $17,332 | 0.21 |
 University of California-DavisDavis | $15,247 | $54,546 | $78,081 | $13,000 | 0.24 |
 Westmont CollegeSanta Barbara | $51,790 | $54,457 | $78,938 | $25,000 | 0.46 |
 Chapman UniversityOrange | $62,784 | $54,064 | $75,777 | $22,977 | 0.42 |
 University of California-Santa CruzSanta Cruz | $14,560 | $52,029 | $78,567 | $16,500 | 0.32 |
| National Median | — | $53,219 | — | $22,250 | 0.42 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/managerial economics graduates
Economists
Environmental Economists
Financial Risk Specialists
Management Analysts
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
Survey Researchers
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 Ashford University, approximately 31% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 24 graduates with reported earnings and 29 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.