Analysis
Wisconsin's business programs vary tremendously, with top performers like UW-Oshkosh producing first-year earnings above $57,000 while others cluster in the mid-$40,000 range. Based on comparable business programs across the state, Concordia-Wisconsin appears positioned near the middle of this pack, with estimated first-year earnings around $45,625—essentially matching Wisconsin's median for business degrees but trailing the national benchmark by about $2,000.
The estimated debt load of $27,000 creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59, which sits in reasonable territory for business graduates. Similar programs in Wisconsin typically leave students with around $26,800 in debt, so Concordia's estimated figure tracks closely with state norms. The real question is whether graduates will see the kind of earnings growth that justifies selecting this program over state universities that appear to deliver stronger starting salaries for comparable or lower debt levels.
Since these figures are drawn from peer institutions rather than Concordia-Wisconsin's actual outcomes, families should dig deeper into job placement specifics and alumni networks. The $12,000 earnings gap between programs at the top and middle of Wisconsin's business landscape matters significantly over a career, so understanding what distinguishes Concordia's approach—whether through specialized concentrations, employer relationships, or practical experience—becomes critical when actual outcome data isn't available.
Where Concordia University-Wisconsin Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (12 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $34,250 | $45,625* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $8,212 | $57,853* | — | —* | — | |
| $32,794 | $52,065* | — | —* | — | |
| $8,250 | $49,965* | $57,999 | $25,675* | 0.51 | |
| $7,855 | $45,679* | $55,620 | $20,996* | 0.46 | |
| $10,020 | $45,570* | $53,324 | $27,000* | 0.59 | |
| National Median | — | $47,506* | — | $26,000* | 0.55 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates
Sales Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Construction Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Chief Executives
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 Concordia University-Wisconsin, approximately 22% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 8 similar programs in WI. Actual outcomes may vary.