Median Earnings (1yr)
$49,772
65th percentile
60th percentile in Virginia
Median Debt
$29,166
12% above national median

Analysis

Liberty University's Business Administration program delivers solid financial outcomes that outperform both national and Virginia averages. With median first-year earnings of $49,772, graduates earn about $4,000 more than the typical business program graduate nationally and in Virginia. The program ranks in the 65th percentile nationally and 60th percentile within Virginia—respectable performance among the 43 Virginia schools offering this degree.

The debt picture is particularly attractive. At $29,166, student debt is only slightly above state and national medians, but the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59 is excellent—meaning graduates can reasonably expect to manage their debt load. This places Liberty in the 20th percentile for debt nationally, indicating most comparable programs saddle students with significantly more borrowing. The 9% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests steady career progression.

While Liberty's outcomes trail Virginia's elite programs like Washington and Lee ($76,627) or William & Mary ($75,038), it offers strong value for a more accessible education—the 99% admission rate means your child has virtually guaranteed acceptance. For families seeking a business degree with manageable debt and above-average earning potential, Liberty presents a financially sensible choice that positions graduates well without the crushing debt loads common elsewhere.

Where Liberty University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Liberty University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Liberty University$49,772$54,361+9%
Washington and Lee University$76,627$98,403+28%
William & Mary$75,038$85,678+14%
University of Richmond$68,151$79,209+16%
James Madison University$65,931$68,297+4%

Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia

Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (43 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Liberty UniversityLynchburg$21,222$49,772$54,361$29,1660.59
Washington and Lee UniversityLexington$64,525$76,627$98,403
William & MaryWilliamsburg$25,040$75,038$85,678$19,8120.26
University of RichmondUniversity of Richmond$62,600$68,151$79,209$20,5000.30
James Madison UniversityHarrisonburg$13,576$65,931$68,297$19,7500.30
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBlacksburg$15,478$60,678$60,297$22,5350.37
National Median$45,703$26,0000.57

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with business administration, management and operations graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Water Resource Specialists

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Compensation and Benefits Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.

$140,360/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Human Resources Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.

$140,030/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Sales Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.

$138,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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 Liberty University, approximately 39% 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 1691 graduates with reported earnings and 1786 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.