Business Administration, Management and Operations at Herzing University-Madison

Herzing University-Madison graduates from this business program face a particularly challenging financial picture in Wisconsin. Starting at just over $30,000—roughly $10,000 below the state median for this degree—these earnings rank in the bottom quarter of Wisconsin's business programs. Meanwhile, graduates carry nearly $39,000 in debt, almost 2.5 times what students at other Wisconsin schools typically borrow for the same credential. Wisconsin's technical colleges produce notably stronger outcomes: Mid-State Technical College grads earn $47,000, nearly 55% more than Herzing's median.

The debt burden here is severe. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.27, graduates owe more than an entire year's salary, making standard loan repayment difficult on entry-level wages. Even after four years, when earnings reach $37,000, they still trail the state median by $3,000 and remain substantially below what graduates from Wisconsin technical colleges earned in their first year. The 22% earnings growth is positive, but it's not enough to overcome the initial deficit or justify the debt load.

For Wisconsin families, this is a poor investment compared to readily available alternatives. The state's technical college system offers the same degree with higher earnings potential and dramatically lower debt. Unless Herzing provides unique scheduling flexibility or support services that justify the premium, parents should strongly consider those public options instead.