Business/Commerce at Avila University

Avila's business program starts modestly but shows impressive growth potential, with earnings jumping 37% from year one to year four—well above typical trajectories. That first-year salary of $47,530 lands right at the national median, though it trails most Missouri competitors slightly. By year four, graduates are earning $65,226, suggesting the program may open doors to career advancement even if initial placement lags behind flagship universities.

The debt load tells a more favorable story: at $32,750, it's higher than Missouri's typical $22,732 but still manageable relative to early earnings. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69 means graduates owe less than one year's salary—a reasonable starting point for a business degree. However, parents should note the 40th percentile ranking among Missouri programs, meaning six in ten business programs in the state deliver better initial outcomes.

The critical caveat here is sample size—with fewer than 30 graduates reporting, a few outliers could skew these numbers significantly. For families drawn to Avila's smaller environment and mission-driven approach (nearly half of students receive Pell grants), the strong earnings growth suggests good long-term value. But if maximizing early career earnings matters most, University of Missouri campuses offer $8,000-$10,000 higher starting salaries at similar or lower debt levels, making them the safer financial bet for Missouri residents.