Business/Commerce at Brandeis University

Brandeis's business program delivers strong results that justify its selective positioning, though Massachusetts families should know this isn't the state's earnings leader. Starting at $56,000, graduates earn more than 84% of business majors nationally, but several Bay State schools—including Northeastern and UMass Dartmouth—produce higher earners. The $26,000 median debt matches both state and national averages, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47.

What sets this program apart is its trajectory: earnings jump 41% to nearly $79,000 by year four, suggesting graduates secure roles with genuine advancement potential rather than career dead-ends. This growth pattern, combined with Brandeis's academic reputation (1473 average SAT), indicates the program provides strong preparation even if it doesn't immediately match the outcomes of Boston's co-op powerhouses.

The calculation here is straightforward: if your child values Brandeis's liberal arts environment and can handle the moderate debt load, the business program performs solidly. But families prioritizing pure earnings might find better value at Northeastern (despite higher costs) or UMass Dartmouth (likely lower costs). The 60th percentile ranking among Massachusetts business programs isn't bad—it's simply middle-of-the-pack in a competitive state market.