Business/Commerce at Kansas State University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Kansas State's business program hits an attractive sweet spot: graduates earn $54,223 in their first year while carrying just $29,705 in debt—a 0.55 ratio that's manageable by any standard. That first-year salary lands at the 73rd percentile nationally and beats the Kansas median by over $6,000, making K-State the earnings leader among Kansas business programs. The debt load sits at just the 25th percentile nationally, meaning three-quarters of comparable programs saddle students with more borrowed money.
The value becomes clearer when you compare across Kansas options. K-State graduates out-earn University of Kansas grads by nearly $5,000 annually while taking on only about $4,000 more debt. Against Pittsburg State, the earnings advantage is over $7,500. This isn't a program squeaking by on marginal metrics—it's demonstrably outperforming its in-state peers where it matters most.
For an accessible state university (79% admission rate), K-State delivers genuinely strong business outcomes. The debt burden equals about 6.5 months of first-year salary, leaving room to save, invest, or pay down loans aggressively. If your student is Kansas-bound and business-focused, this program offers clear financial upside over the alternatives.
Where Kansas State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Kansas State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Kansas State University graduates earn $54k, placing them in the 73th percentile of all business/commerce bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas
Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (9 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas State University | $54,223 | — | $29,705 | 0.55 |
| University of Kansas | $49,339 | $60,067 | $24,480 | 0.50 |
| Pittsburg State University | $46,738 | $50,671 | $23,015 | 0.49 |
| Bethel College-North Newton | $34,879 | — | $27,000 | 0.77 |
| National Median | $47,506 | — | $26,000 | 0.55 |
Other Business/Commerce Programs in Kansas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Kansas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Kansas Lawrence | $11,700 | $49,339 | $24,480 |
| Pittsburg State University Pittsburg | $8,008 | $46,738 | $23,015 |
| Bethel College-North Newton North Newton | $34,002 | $34,879 | $27,000 |
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 Kansas State University, approximately 19% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 31 graduates with reported earnings and 32 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.