Business Administration, Management and Operations at Dillard University

Louisiana's business programs show dramatic variation in outcomes, and Dillard's estimated figures—derived from 18 similar bachelor's programs across the state—put it near the lower end of that range. With first-year earnings around $38,500, graduates of comparable programs earn about $7,000 less than the national median for business bachelor's degrees and roughly $20,000 less than peers at Tulane. That gap persists into year four, when Dillard's reported earnings reach just $39,300—a notably flat trajectory that suggests limited early-career growth.

The debt load of $31,000 exceeds both state and national medians for business programs, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.81. While not catastrophic, this means comparable Louisiana business graduates typically carry debt equivalent to nearly 10 months of their first-year salary. For context, Dillard serves a predominantly Pell-eligible student body (68%), so families have limited financial cushion if career momentum stalls.

For parents, the core question is whether the estimated $38,500 starting point and minimal four-year growth justify above-average debt for a business degree. The limited earnings progression is particularly concerning—similar programs typically show more substantial salary gains by year four. Before committing, demand clear data on this specific program's job placement rates and employer relationships, especially given how far outcomes lag Louisiana's stronger business programs.