Business/Commerce at La Salle University

La Salle's business program starts graduates at $40,000—roughly $8,000 below Pennsylvania's median for the field and nearly $7,500 below the national benchmark. While the 40th percentile ranking within Pennsylvania might seem middle-of-the-road, that still means roughly a dozen other PA business programs launch graduates with stronger earning potential. The debt load itself isn't unusual at $26,000, but paired with below-average earnings, you're looking at a debt-to-income ratio that's higher than ideal for a business degree.

The critical caveat here is sample size: fewer than 30 recent graduates reported data, so these numbers could shift significantly with more information. Still, the gap between La Salle and stronger PA options like Temple ($48,747) or even the state median is substantial enough to warrant attention. That $8,000 annual difference compounds quickly—it's nearly $50,000 over six years of loan repayment.

For families considering this program, the math suggests exploring alternatives unless La Salle offers compelling non-financial advantages like location flexibility or specific career connections. At 86% admission, accessibility isn't unique to this school. If your student is comparing business programs, prioritize those closer to or above the state median—you're investing similar debt for measurably better starting positions.