Analysis
Lycoming's business program starts slow but builds momentum—graduates earn just under $42,000 initially, about 8% below Pennsylvania's median for business programs. That's not alarming territory, but it does mean the first few years require patience. The debt load of $27,000 is reasonable, creating a manageable 0.64 ratio to first-year earnings.
The real story emerges in year four, when median earnings jump to $56,231—a 34% increase that outpaces typical wage growth. This suggests graduates are finding career traction and moving into management roles. Among Pennsylvania's 82 business programs, Lycoming lands at the 40th percentile, placing it in the middle tier alongside state schools rather than competing with regional powerhouses like Lehigh or Carnegie Mellon.
For families considering this program, the math works if your child needs time to develop professionally. The moderate debt won't be crushing during those early career years, and the earnings trajectory suggests the credential opens doors to advancement. You're not paying for prestige or instant results—you're investing in a foundation that seems to deliver returns as graduates prove themselves in the workforce.
Where Lycoming College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Lycoming College 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lycoming College | $41,884 | $56,231 | +34% |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Lycoming CollegeWilliamsport | $47,675 | $41,884 | $56,231 | $27,000 | 0.64 |
 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 Lycoming College, approximately 40% 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 62 graduates with reported earnings and 68 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.