Business Administration, Management and Operations at Eastern University

Eastern University business graduates start strong at $52,763—outperforming 60% of Pennsylvania business programs and 75% of programs nationwide. But here's what parents need to know: earnings don't grow from there. Four years out, median pay actually dips to $51,577, bucking the typical pattern where business graduates build momentum through their twenties. With $30,607 in debt, the manageable 0.58 debt-to-earnings ratio makes repayment feasible, though the stagnant trajectory means you shouldn't expect the financial picture to improve dramatically after graduation.

The value here depends entirely on context. If your child is comparing Eastern to Pennsylvania's elite business programs—Carnegie Mellon at $95,891 or Penn at $91,443—the $40,000+ earnings gap won't close over time. But if the alternative is a lower-tier program or going out-of-state at higher cost, Eastern's above-median outcomes and reasonable debt load make sense. The 94% admission rate and 36% Pell Grant population suggest Eastern serves students who might struggle to access more selective programs.

Bottom line: this is a practical choice for students seeking solid, immediate employment outcomes without crushing debt. Just don't expect the career acceleration that typically comes with a business degree—these graduates appear to plateau quickly.