Business Administration, Management and Operations at Babson College
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Babson College's business program delivers exceptional earning power that justifies its premium positioning. With first-year graduates earning $69,970—53% above the national median and 43% above Massachusetts averages—this 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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Babson College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Babson College graduates earn $70k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all business administration, management and operations bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (44 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Babson College | $69,970 | $89,884 | $23,000 | 0.33 |
| Boston College | $71,675 | $86,804 | $17,873 | 0.25 |
| Boston University | $71,545 | $86,755 | $25,000 | 0.35 |
| Bentley University | $67,903 | $86,432 | $25,000 | 0.37 |
| Wentworth Institute of Technology | $64,591 | $88,200 | — | — |
| Cambridge College | $64,502 | $53,036 | $27,083 | 0.42 |
| National Median | $45,703 | — | $26,000 | 0.57 |
Other Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs in Massachusetts
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Massachusetts schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston College Chestnut Hill | $67,680 | $71,675 | $17,873 |
| Boston University Boston | $65,168 | $71,545 | $25,000 |
| Bentley University Waltham | $58,150 | $67,903 | $25,000 |
| Wentworth Institute of Technology Boston | $41,010 | $64,591 | — |
| Cambridge College Boston | $18,072 | $64,502 | $27,083 |
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.