Median Earnings (1yr)
$54,432
81st percentile (60th in VA)
Median Debt
$24,250
7% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.45
Manageable
Sample Size
161
Adequate data

Analysis

Christopher Newport's business program places graduates well ahead of typical outcomes for this degree, with first-year earnings of $54,432—about $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 comparisons—being 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

Christopher Newport UniversityOther business administration, management and operations programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Christopher Newport University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Christopher Newport University graduates earn $54k, placing them in the 81th percentile of all business administration, management and operations bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia

Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (43 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Christopher Newport University$54,432$65,162$24,2500.45
Washington and Lee University$76,627$98,403——
William & Mary$75,038$85,678$19,8120.26
University of Richmond$68,151$79,209$20,5000.30
James Madison University$65,931$68,297$19,7500.30
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University$60,678$60,297$22,5350.37
National Median$45,703—$26,0000.57

Other Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs in Virginia

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Virginia schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Washington and Lee University
Lexington
$64,525$76,627—
William & Mary
Williamsburg
$25,040$75,038$19,812
University of Richmond
University of Richmond
$62,600$68,151$20,500
James Madison University
Harrisonburg
$13,576$65,931$19,750
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg
$15,478$60,678$22,535

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.