Business Administration, Management and Operations at Friends University

Friends University's business program commands 30% more debt than typical Kansas business degrees, but graduates start at $54,090—outperforming the national median by nearly $8,400 and ranking in the 80th percentile nationally. That's a meaningful earnings premium, though within Kansas itself, it places solidly in the middle of the pack at the 60th percentile, just below flagship University of Kansas and several competing private schools.

The debt picture is more complex. At $33,875, graduates carry about $7,000 more than the Kansas norm and nearly $8,000 above the national median. However, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.63 remains manageable—well below the concerning 1.0 threshold—and earnings grow to nearly $60,000 by year four. This is a premium-priced program that delivers above-average outcomes, but not dramatically better than what nearby alternatives offer. The 56% admission rate and moderate test scores suggest accessibility, though the debt load means students need to be reasonably confident about completing the degree.

For Kansas families, this represents a viable but not exceptional option. If your child has admission offers from Southwestern or Baker with comparable aid packages, those might deliver similar earnings with potentially less debt. But Friends' national standing is strong, and the earnings trajectory shows graduates establish solid footing in the job market relatively quickly.