Business/Commerce at Belmont University

Belmont's business program starts graduates at $39,325—below the national median but close to Tennessee's typical outcomes for this degree. That 15th percentile national ranking looks concerning at first glance, but context matters: this program sits right at the 40th percentile within Tennessee, where business graduates generally earn less than the national average. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) adds uncertainty to these figures, though the trajectory shows promise.

The real story here is the earnings growth: graduates see a 41% jump to $55,388 by year four, moving them above Tennessee's median and approaching the national 75th percentile. With $24,000 in debt (below both state and national averages), the debt burden is manageable—graduates owe about seven months of their first-year salary. Compare this to Christian Brothers University graduates who start $18,000 higher but likely carry more debt, or Middle Tennessee State grads who earn virtually the same amount.

For families weighing Belmont's 96% admission rate against its outcomes, this program offers accessible entry and solid mid-career positioning. The first-year earnings lag won't thrill anyone, but the growth curve and reasonable debt load suggest graduates find their footing relatively quickly. Just remember these numbers come from a small cohort, so your child's experience could vary more than usual.