Business Administration, Management and Operations at Bethel University

Bethel University's business program delivers what many parents hope for: strong starting salaries with manageable debt. Graduates earn $55,704 in their first year—placing them in the 85th percentile nationally and well above the national median of $45,703. The $24,076 in median debt creates a comfortable 0.43 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates should be able to handle their loans without serious financial strain. That's especially reassuring when you consider this is one of 33 business programs in Minnesota, where Bethel sits solidly in the 60th percentile.

The tradeoff here is growth trajectory rather than starting position. Four years out, earnings rise modestly to $58,939—steady but not spectacular compared to top Minnesota programs like the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities ($65,996) or even Concordia University-Saint Paul ($59,044). For context, Bethel isn't far behind Concordia despite a considerably more accessible admission profile, which suggests the program delivers consistent value across a broader student population.

The numbers work cleanly: your child would likely leave with debt they can repay on a business salary that's genuinely competitive from day one. The 91% admission rate means this outcome is achievable for most applicants, not just top students. If your priority is launching a career without crushing debt rather than maximizing long-term earnings potential, this program accomplishes exactly that.