Business Administration, Management and Operations at Christopher Newport University
Bachelor's Degree
cnu.eduAnalysis
Christopher Newport's business program places graduates well ahead of typical outcomes for this degree, with first-year earnings of $54,432βabout $9,000 above both national and state medians. This isn't William & Mary or Washington & Lee territory, but that 81st percentile national ranking reflects genuine market strength, and the $24,250 debt load comes in notably below Virginia's typical $27,000 for business programs.
The trajectory looks solid: earnings climb to $65,162 by year four, putting graduates roughly on par with James Madison outcomes and closing in on Virginia Tech. That 20% growth suggests these graduates are building careers rather than plateauing early. The 60th percentile state ranking might seem middling, but remember Virginia's business landscape includes several elite programs that skew those comparisonsβbeing middle-of-the-pack here still means clearing strong baseline outcomes.
The 0.45 debt-to-earnings ratio signals manageable financial pressure from day one. With an 88% admission rate, this program offers accessible entry to above-average business outcomes without the debt burden common at many Virginia schools. For families seeking solid business fundamentals and reasonable costs, the numbers justify confidence in this investment.
Where Christopher Newport University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Christopher Newport University 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christopher Newport University | $54,432 | $65,162 | +20% |
| Washington and Lee University | $76,627 | $98,403 | +28% |
| William & Mary | $75,038 | $85,678 | +14% |
| University of Richmond | $68,151 | $79,209 | +16% |
| James Madison University | $65,931 | $68,297 | +4% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia
Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (43 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $16,351 | $54,432 | $65,162 | $24,250 | 0.45 | |
| $64,525 | $76,627 | $98,403 | β | β | |
| $25,040 | $75,038 | $85,678 | $19,812 | 0.26 | |
| $62,600 | $68,151 | $79,209 | $20,500 | 0.30 | |
| $13,576 | $65,931 | $68,297 | $19,750 | 0.30 | |
| $15,478 | $60,678 | $60,297 | $22,535 | 0.37 | |
| National Median | β | $45,703 | β | $26,000 | 0.57 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business administration, management and operations graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Human Resources Managers
Sales Managers
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 Christopher Newport University, approximately 15% 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 161 graduates with reported earnings and 183 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.