Business Administration, Management and Operations at DeVry University-California

DeVry University-California's business program delivers strong earnings that outperform national averages, but comes with a concerning debt burden that significantly exceeds both state and national norms. Graduates earn a median of $55,102 in their first year—ranking in the 83rd percentile nationally and 60th percentile among California programs—compared to the national median of $45,703 and California median of $49,543. However, this premium comes at a steep cost: the median debt of $46,797 is more than double both the national ($26,000) and California ($21,000) averages for this program.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.85 means graduates typically carry debt equal to 85% of their first-year salary, which is manageable but higher than ideal. More troubling is the complete lack of earnings growth—salaries remain essentially flat from year one to year four, suggesting limited career advancement potential. While 54% of students receive Pell grants, indicating the program serves lower-income students who may have fewer alternatives, the high debt load creates substantial financial risk.

For families considering this program, the core question is whether the earnings premium justifies nearly twice the typical debt burden. Given the strong initial salaries but stagnant growth trajectory, this program may work for students who need the flexibility DeVry offers but should be approached cautiously by anyone who can access lower-cost alternatives with similar earning potential.