Analysis
Babson College's business program delivers exceptional earning power that justifies its premium positioning. With first-year graduates earning $69,970β53% above the national median and 43% above Massachusetts averagesβthis program ranks in the 95th percentile nationally and 80th percentile within Massachusetts. The $23,000 median debt load is actually lower than both national and state averages, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.33.
The earnings trajectory looks particularly strong, with graduates seeing 29% income growth by year four, reaching nearly $90,000. Among Massachusetts business programs, Babson holds its own against prestigious competitors like Boston College and Boston University, with comparable outcomes despite being a smaller, specialized institution. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates gives confidence in these numbers.
For parents evaluating this investment, the math works clearly in Babson's favor. Your child would graduate with below-average debt while earning significantly more than peers from other business programs. The school's 20% admission rate and 1435 average SAT score reflect selectivity that translates into strong career outcomes. This represents one of the clearer positive return-on-investment stories in business education.
Where Babson College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Babson College 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Babson College | $69,970 | $89,884 | +28% |
| Wentworth Institute of Technology | $64,591 | $88,200 | +37% |
| Boston College | $71,675 | $86,804 | +21% |
| Boston University | $71,545 | $86,755 | +21% |
| Bentley University | $67,903 | $86,432 | +27% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (44 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $56,032 | $69,970 | $89,884 | $23,000 | 0.33 | |
| $67,680 | $71,675 | $86,804 | $17,873 | 0.25 | |
| $65,168 | $71,545 | $86,755 | $25,000 | 0.35 | |
| $58,150 | $67,903 | $86,432 | $25,000 | 0.37 | |
| $41,010 | $64,591 | $88,200 | β | β | |
| $18,072 | $64,502 | $53,036 | $27,083 | 0.42 | |
| National Median | β | $45,703 | β | $26,000 | 0.57 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business administration, management and operations graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Human Resources Managers
Sales Managers
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 Babson College, approximately 14% 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 434 graduates with reported earnings and 443 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.