Analysis
Business programs in Pennsylvania show considerable variation, with top performers like Albright and Strayer exceeding $55,000 in first-year earnings while others cluster closer to the state median of $45,781. Based on comparable programs across PA, DeSales likely falls in the middle of this pack, with estimated earnings around that median and debt of approximately $26,543—figures that align closely with what you'd find at schools like University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown or Washington & Jefferson College.
The estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 suggests manageable repayment, particularly for business graduates who often see steady salary growth in their first several years. However, the gap between these peer-based estimates and what top Pennsylvania business programs deliver is substantial—roughly $10,000 more annually. That difference compounds quickly over a career, which matters when you're evaluating whether DeSales' business education justifies its price point compared to alternatives in the state.
Since these figures are drawn from similar programs rather than DeSales' actual graduate outcomes, you'll want to dig into placement rates and employer connections specific to their business program. The 79% admission rate and solid SAT scores suggest a reasonably selective environment, but without concrete data on where DeSales business graduates actually land and what they earn, you're making an investment based on regional averages rather than proven institutional performance.
Where DeSales University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (22 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $44,800 | $45,781* | — | $26,543* | — | |
| $28,794 | $56,932* | $55,634 | $33,500* | 0.59 | |
| $13,920 | $55,431* | $59,763 | $56,517* | 1.02 | |
| $22,082 | $48,747* | $60,375 | $27,000* | 0.55 | |
| $28,185 | $45,911* | $59,080 | $26,085* | 0.57 | |
| $14,646 | $45,781* | $51,789 | $26,625* | 0.58 | |
| 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 DeSales University, approximately 23% 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 10 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.