Analysis
A bachelor's in Management Sciences at Friends University comes with estimated debt around $24,840—close to the national median for this field—while peer programs nationally suggest first-year earnings near $62,069. That 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio falls comfortably within manageable territory, meaning graduates from comparable programs would owe less than half their first year's salary. For context, the nearby University of Kansas reports actual earnings of $62,993 for this major, suggesting the national estimate aligns reasonably well with what Kansas graduates in this field actually earn.
The challenge here is that we're working entirely from estimates derived from peer institutions, not from Friends University's own graduate outcomes. The school's 56% admission rate and below-average SAT scores suggest it serves a different student population than some larger state universities, which could influence career placement and starting salaries in ways these estimates don't capture. Management Sciences programs can vary significantly in their focus—some lean heavily quantitative, others more toward general business—and without actual data, it's hard to know where Friends falls on that spectrum.
If your child is drawn to Friends for specific reasons—perhaps its smaller class sizes or Quaker values—the estimated numbers don't raise red flags. But given the uncertainty, you'd want to dig into internship opportunities, employer connections in Wichita, and exactly which analytical skills this program emphasizes before committing.
Where Friends University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all management sciences and quantitative methods bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (4 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $32,748 | $62,069* | — | $24,840* | — | |
| $11,700 | $62,993* | — | $25,000* | 0.40 | |
| National Median | — | $62,069* | — | $23,250* | 0.37 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with management sciences and quantitative methods graduates
Actuaries
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Chief Executives
Chief Sustainability Officers
General and Operations Managers
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Financial Risk Specialists
Management Analysts
Operations Research Analysts
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 Friends University, approximately 34% 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 national median of 118 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.