Business Administration, Management and Operations at Bridgewater College

Bridgewater College graduates start well below the pack in business—$40,434 puts them in just the 25th percentile nationally—but the story gets more interesting over time. By year four, earnings jump 31% to nearly $53,000, which actually exceeds the national 75th percentile for this program. Among Virginia's 43 business programs, this sits right at the state median, though it lags far behind the state's top-tier options like William & Mary ($75,000) and JMU ($66,000).

The $26,000 debt load is perfectly average nationally and slightly below Virginia's median, making the initial debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.64 manageable—essentially borrowing less than eight months of that first salary. The real question is whether that modest start is acceptable. For families prioritizing a smaller college environment (91% admission rate, but with respectable 1225 average SATs) and who can afford to think long-term, the earnings trajectory suggests this program builds steady career foundations rather than offering immediate launch velocity.

The practical takeaway: if your child needs strong first-year earnings to manage debt or contribute to family finances, Bridgewater's business program starts too low. But for families with flexibility in those early years, the 31% growth rate and reasonable debt create a viable path—just recognize you're choosing steady development over the prestige and networks that Virginia's elite programs deliver.