Business Administration, Management and Operations at Centura College-Chesapeake

The backwards earnings pattern here demands attention: graduates earn $42,512 in their first year but see that drop to $30,033 by year four—a 29% decline. While the small sample size means these numbers could shift with more data, this downward trajectory is unusual enough to warrant serious scrutiny. You're also looking at nearly $39,000 in debt for a program that falls below both Virginia and national medians, landing in just the 40th percentile among Virginia business programs.

For context, Virginia's median business graduate earns $45,557 starting out, and most maintain or improve those earnings over time. Meanwhile, Centura's debt load exceeds the state median by over $11,000—this program sits in the 5th percentile nationally for debt, meaning 95% of similar programs leave students with less to repay. With 84% of students receiving Pell grants, this population can least afford a negative return on investment.

The small sample size is the only reason to hesitate on a firm judgment here. But based on current data, this looks like paying premium prices for below-average outcomes. If your child is set on business at Centura, you'd want compelling explanations for both the debt burden and the earnings decline before committing. Virginia has 43 business programs to choose from—many offer better numbers with more reliable track records.