Business Administration, Management and Operations at Barton College

Barton College graduates start at $44,374—beating the state median and landing in the 60th percentile among North Carolina business programs—but see earnings drop to $38,683 by year four. This unusual trajectory means students need to think carefully about whether their first job will be in a field where skills compound over time. The $27,000 debt load is reasonable and below the 25th percentile nationally, giving graduates some breathing room even as earnings dip.

The decline is particularly puzzling given that most business majors see steady salary growth in their first few years. It could reflect graduates moving into different roles, regional economic factors in Wilson and eastern NC, or career changes that reset earning power. Either way, by year four, these graduates are earning $4,500 less than the state median for business majors—a significant gap that narrows career options and makes debt repayment less comfortable than it initially appears.

For families considering Barton's business program, the modest debt is the silver lining here, but you'll want your child to be strategic about their first role out of college. Look for positions with clear advancement paths at larger employers, ideally outside the immediate Wilson area, rather than entry-level roles that might cap out quickly. The 96% admission rate and high percentage of Pell recipients suggests Barton serves students who may not have elite options, but the earnings decline makes this a second-tier choice even among more accessible NC programs.