Business Administration, Management and Operations at Bluffton University

Bluffton's business program carries reasonable debt at $27,000, but the earnings numbers tell a more complicated story. Graduates start at $41,600—about $4,000 below both Ohio's median and the national average for business degrees. Within Ohio's 64 business programs, this places in the 40th percentile, falling well short of what students earn from Miami University ($67,800) or even Bowling Green ($60,800). The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.65 isn't alarming, but you're paying similar amounts for notably lower starting salaries.

The 29% earnings growth to $53,800 by year four offers some reassurance that graduates aren't stuck at their starting point. However, even after four years, earnings remain about $12,000 below what Ohio State grads make in their first year. For a family weighing in-state options, that gap matters—especially when schools like Bowling Green or Cincinnati offer stronger earning potential at comparable or even lower debt levels.

One critical caveat: this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes vary widely. If your student values Bluffton's small-school environment and Mennonite roots, this could work—but financially, stronger Ohio public universities deliver better returns. Unless there are compelling non-financial reasons, look at programs where starting salaries clear $50,000.