Business Administration, Management and Operations at Catawba College

Catawba College graduates see their business degree gain serious momentum after the first year—earnings jump 32% from $46,000 to nearly $61,000 by year four. That growth trajectory matters more than the modest starting salary, especially when you're carrying just $26,000 in debt. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56 means graduates should be able to manage repayment while building their careers.

Within North Carolina's business landscape, this program punches above its weight. Ranking in the 60th percentile statewide, it outperforms over half of the state's 52 business programs despite Catawba's 78% admission rate. Yes, UNC Chapel Hill and NC State lead the pack with significantly higher earnings, but those programs also come with more competitive admissions. Catawba delivers above-average state results at a debt level right in line with what most NC business students carry.

The four-year earnings data is your strongest signal here. Many business graduates need time to prove themselves and move into better roles—Catawba's alumni appear to be doing exactly that. For a student who may not have the profile for NC State but wants to stay in North Carolina and study business, this represents a solid middle-ground option where the degree appears to pay off as graduates gain experience.