Business/Commerce at Marshall University

A debt load of $23,624 against first-year earnings around $42,000 creates a manageable starting point—the 0.56 debt-to-earnings ratio falls comfortably below the concerning 1.0 threshold. That said, these figures come from peer programs rather than Marshall's actual outcomes, so there's inherent uncertainty in projecting your child's specific situation.

What matters more than the estimates is the context: business programs across West Virginia cluster tightly around $42,000 in first-year earnings, whether you're looking at Marshall or WVU. The exception is Strayer's online-focused program at $55,000, but that likely reflects a different student profile with more work experience. Marshall's estimated debt sits about $3,000 below the state median, which suggests reasonable cost management, though nationally business majors at similar schools typically graduate with $26,000 in loans. The real gap appears when comparing West Virginia outcomes to national figures—business graduates in the state earn roughly $5,000 less than the national median of $47,500.

For your child, the question becomes whether Marshall's accessible admission (96% acceptance rate) and relatively lower debt make it worth accepting below-national earnings. If staying in West Virginia for employment, this program appears typical rather than exceptional. If they're aiming for out-of-state opportunities where competition is stiffer, acknowledge that the foundation may require extra effort—internships, networking, skills beyond the degree—to close that earnings gap.