Business/Commerce at Loyola Marymount University

A business degree from a selective Los Angeles university carries substantial costs, and the figures here suggest outcomes that fall short of what parents might expect from a school with a 40% admission rate. Based on comparable business programs in California, graduates typically earn around $47,000 in their first year—essentially matching the national median—while carrying roughly $28,600 in debt. That 0.61 debt-to-earnings ratio sits above the national median debt level, meaning graduates face higher borrowing for similar starting salaries.

What makes this concerning is the competition. Other California business programs show significantly stronger outcomes, with some producing first-year earnings exceeding $70,000. Meanwhile, Loyola Marymount's low Pell enrollment (13%) suggests many families here can absorb educational costs more easily than the average student—yet even with that advantage, the estimated debt burden is higher than the national typical business graduate faces.

For families considering this program, the key question is whether the school's brand and Los Angeles location justify paying more for outcomes that mirror the state average. If your child has admission offers from programs with reported earnings data—particularly those showing the $50,000+ range—those merit serious consideration. The estimation here stems from limited graduate sample size, which means you're making a significant financial commitment without clear evidence this specific program delivers returns that match its price point.