Business/Commerce at Biola University

At $46,300 starting, Biola's business program lands squarely in the middle of the pack—40th percentile among California business programs and slightly below both state and national medians. However, the real story emerges in years 2-4, where earnings jump 28% to nearly $60,000. That trajectory outpaces typical business degree growth and suggests graduates are finding their footing in career-building roles rather than stalling in entry-level positions. The debt load of $23,875 is actually lighter than most California business programs (which typically carry $28,619), creating a manageable 0.52 debt-to-earnings ratio that should allow for comfortable repayment.

The challenge here is the starting salary gap. Your child will be earning $10,000+ less out of the gate than peers at top California programs like University of Redlands or DeVry, which matters if they're facing immediate living expenses in Southern California. But Biola graduates appear to catch up relatively quickly—that four-year mark puts them closer to competitive territory. For a family concerned about affordability, the below-average debt combined with solid growth makes this workable, though you're banking on your child's ability to leverage that Biola network and stay committed through those lower-earning early years. If they're motivated and willing to grind through a modest start, the numbers improve meaningfully.