Business Administration, Management and Operations at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor's Degree
kutztown.eduAnalysis
Kutztown University's business program offers solid debt management but lags behind Pennsylvania competitors in earnings potential. While graduates carry just $27,000 in debt—placing this program in the 25th percentile nationally for borrowing—their median starting salary of $45,703 falls below the state average of $47,040 for similar programs. This places Kutztown in the 40th percentile among Pennsylvania business schools, meaning 60% of comparable in-state programs produce higher-earning graduates.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59 is manageable, and the 24% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates do advance professionally. However, the earnings gap with Pennsylvania's top-tier programs is substantial—Carnegie Mellon and Penn graduates earn double what Kutztown alumni make initially. Even mid-tier options like Pitt ($62,675) significantly outpace Kutztown's outcomes.
For families prioritizing affordability and debt minimization, Kutztown delivers on that front with below-average borrowing levels. But if maximizing earning potential is the goal, the program's below-average performance within Pennsylvania suggests exploring other in-state options that offer better returns on investment while maintaining reasonable debt loads.
Where Kutztown University of Pennsylvania Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Kutztown University of Pennsylvania graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kutztown University of Pennsylvania | $45,703 | $56,785 | +24% |
| Carnegie Mellon University | $95,891 | $123,200 | +28% |
| University of Pennsylvania | $91,443 | $90,686 | -1% |
| Lehigh University | $69,289 | $86,039 | +24% |
| Franklin and Marshall College | $64,664 | $77,821 | +20% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (82 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Kutztown University of PennsylvaniaKutztown | $11,230 | $45,703 | $56,785 | $27,000 | 0.59 |
 Carnegie Mellon UniversityPittsburgh | $63,829 | $95,891 | $123,200 | $23,250 | 0.24 |
 University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia | $66,104 | $91,443 | $90,686 | $20,348 | 0.22 |
 Lehigh UniversityBethlehem | $62,180 | $69,289 | $86,039 | $20,500 | 0.30 |
 Franklin and Marshall CollegeLancaster | $68,380 | $64,664 | $77,821 | $19,500 | 0.30 |
 University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh CampusPittsburgh | $21,524 | $62,675 | $74,000 | $21,000 | 0.34 |
| National Median | — | $45,703 | — | $26,000 | 0.57 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business administration, management and operations graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Human Resources Managers
Sales Managers
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 Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, approximately 31% 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 418 graduates with reported earnings and 412 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.