Business Administration, Management and Operations at Davis & Elkins College

A business degree from Davis & Elkins carries an estimated debt load of $26,948—right in line with similar private colleges nationally—but the earnings picture tells a more complex story. Based on what comparable business programs in West Virginia produce, first-year graduates typically earn around $42,738, which sits below the national median of $45,703 for this degree. That 0.63 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable by conventional standards, meaning graduates could theoretically dedicate about 63% of their first year's salary to paying off loans. However, the lack of actual data from this specific program makes it difficult to know whether Davis & Elkins' graduates match, exceed, or fall short of these peer benchmarks.

The comparison to other West Virginia schools reveals a significant earnings spread. Top performers like University of Charleston and American Public University report graduates earning $60,000+, while larger state institutions like WVU come in around $49,600. Without knowing where Davis & Elkins actually falls in this range, families are making a bet on an unknown outcome. The school serves a substantial population of Pell-eligible students (40%), suggesting strong financial need among its student body, which makes the uncertainty around actual earnings outcomes particularly consequential. If your child is considering this program, press the school directly for placement data, salary information from recent graduates, and employer connections—concrete evidence that could fill the gap left by these estimates.