Analysis
Bryant & Stratton's business associate program ranks in the bottom 10th percentile among Virginia business programs, with graduates earning $30,648 four years out—roughly $13,000 less than the state median and substantially below both Strayer and Liberty. That gap is particularly stark given Virginia's relatively small pool of just four schools offering this degree, meaning this program trails nearly all local alternatives by a significant margin.
The $24,509 in debt isn't catastrophic by national standards, but when stacked against these earnings, it creates a challenging first-year ratio of 0.82. More concerning is the minimal earnings progression—just 2% growth over four years suggests limited career advancement from this credential. The school serves a predominantly Pell-eligible population (62%), yet the outcomes trail what similar students might achieve at other accessible Virginia options.
For a family paying out-of-state tuition or taking on this debt load, the value proposition is questionable. In-state families should compare carefully against the state's other business programs, where graduates consistently earn $12,000-14,000 more annually. If Bryant & Stratton offers unique accessibility or scheduling advantages critical to your situation, understand you're likely trading significant earning potential for that convenience.
Where Bryant & Stratton College-Virginia Beach Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Bryant & Stratton College-Virginia Beach graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bryant & Stratton College-Virginia Beach | $30,059 | $30,648 | +2% |
| Thomas More University | $83,571 | $68,202 | -18% |
| Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion | $49,463 | $54,966 | +11% |
| Strayer University-Virginia | $44,154 | $47,516 | +8% |
| Liberty University | $43,425 | $40,467 | -7% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia
Business/Commerce associates's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (4 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $18,457 | $30,059 | $30,648 | $24,509 | 0.82 | |
| $13,920 | $44,154 | $47,516 | $32,810 | 0.74 | |
| $21,222 | $43,425 | $40,467 | $28,416 | 0.65 | |
| National Median | — | $36,591 | — | $13,437 | 0.37 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates
Sales Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Construction Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Chief Executives
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Bryant & Stratton College-Virginia Beach, approximately 62% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 201 graduates with reported earnings and 387 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.