Business Administration, Management and Operations at Lincoln University

Lincoln University's business program places graduates at under $40,000 in their first year—about $6,000 below Missouri's median for business degrees and $13,000 below the national median. More concerning, earnings barely budge over time, creeping up just $343 over four years. Meanwhile, graduates carry $36,636 in debt, which is 41% higher than typical business majors in Missouri. This combination puts the program in the bottom quarter nationally (22nd percentile) and below middle of the pack even within Missouri (40th percentile), where the top programs like Ranken Technical College and Columbia College deliver starting salaries in the $50,000-$73,000 range.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.93 means graduates owe nearly a full year's salary, making loan repayment a heavier lift than necessary for a business degree. With 46% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here can least afford an underwhelming return on investment. While business administration is generally a practical degree choice, this particular program's outcomes suggest the credential isn't opening doors to management positions or higher-paying opportunities in the region.

For families comparing options in Missouri, this program requires careful consideration. The combination of below-average earnings, high debt relative to those earnings, and flat income growth creates a more challenging financial picture than most business programs in the state.