Business Administration, Management and Operations at Martin University

A $27,000 debt load for a business degree that yields roughly $49,000 in first-year earnings—based on what similar Indiana programs produce—creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55. That's better than the typical business graduate nationwide, suggesting this path won't saddle students with overwhelming payments relative to their income. For Martin University's student population, where two-thirds receive Pell grants, this matters enormously: first-generation and lower-income students need programs where the debt burden doesn't swallow their early paychecks.

The challenge is context. Top business programs in Indiana—Grace College, Ball State, Indiana Wesleyan—report graduates earning $58,000 to $62,000 in their first year out, about $10,000 more than what peer programs suggest for Martin. That gap compounds over a career. Still, those schools may carry different price tags or serve different student populations. What matters most is whether $27,000 in debt makes sense against $49,000 in earnings, and by that measure, the math works—monthly payments would run around 6% of gross income, well within sustainable territory.

The caveat: these figures come from comparable Indiana programs, not Martin's actual graduates. Before committing, push the school for placement rates and employer connections. The difference between a business degree that opens doors and one that doesn't often comes down to internships and recruiting relationships, not just the credential itself.