Business Administration, Management and Operations at Carroll University

Carroll University's business program starts graduates at $41,704—roughly $11,000 below Wisconsin's median for business majors and in just the 25th percentile statewide. That's a significant gap in a state where comparable programs at UW-Oshkosh ($57,809) and even Rasmussen ($59,693) deliver substantially higher starting salaries. The relatively modest $27,000 debt load keeps the program manageable (debt-to-earnings of 0.65), but you're still paying similar debt for considerably less earning power than most Wisconsin business graduates achieve.

The 36% earnings jump to $56,703 by year four tells a more optimistic story—graduates appear to build momentum once they establish themselves. This growth rate suggests the program may develop skills that employers increasingly value, even if the initial placement lags. However, even at that four-year mark, earnings remain below what many Wisconsin business programs deliver right out of the gate.

For Wisconsin families, this is a tough value proposition. Unless your student has compelling reasons to attend Carroll specifically—strong campus fit, scholarship aid, or particular program features—you're likely getting more immediate career traction from other in-state options. The trajectory is positive, but starting $11,000 behind takes years to overcome, and by then, graduates from stronger programs have already pulled further ahead.