Business/Managerial Economics at Bentley University

Bentley's Business/Managerial Economics program commands a premium in debt—$27,000 compared to the national median of $22,250—but graduates earn significantly above what most programs deliver. With first-year earnings of $68,627, this places grads in the 95th percentile nationally, nearly $15,000 ahead of the typical business economics graduate and well above UMass Amherst's $46,170. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 means graduates typically earn back their entire debt load in under five months.

The Massachusetts context reveals something interesting: while this program ranks in the 60th percentile statewide, there are only four schools offering business economics degrees in the state, so the competition set is limited. The real value story is Bentley's national standing—it's delivering outcomes that beat 95% of similar programs across the country. Earnings growth to $79,298 by year four shows steady career progression, not the stagnation that sometimes plagues business degrees.

For parents concerned about ROI, this is straightforward: you're paying modestly more in debt for substantially higher earnings. The higher debt is manageable given the strong starting salary, and the program's national reputation appears to translate into real labor market advantages. This looks like a solid investment for students serious about business careers.