Business Administration, Management and Operations at MidAmerica Nazarene University

MidAmerica Nazarene's business program delivers something unusual: strong starting salaries that flatline completely. Graduates earn $58,494 right out of college—28% above the national median and outperforming 93% of similar programs nationwide. That's genuinely impressive launch pay. But four years later, earnings remain stuck at virtually the same level, suggesting graduates may hit a career ceiling faster than peers at other institutions.

The in-state picture adds nuance. While this program crushes national benchmarks, it sits at just the 60th percentile among Kansas business programs—solid but not exceptional. You're competing with nearby schools like Southwestern and Baker that deliver similar starting pay, and the University of Kansas offers better long-term prospects at comparable debt levels. The $23,726 debt load is reasonable (below both state and national medians), yielding a manageable 0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio.

For families prioritizing immediate employment outcomes and modest debt, this program works. Your child will likely land a decent first job and graduate without crushing loans. But if career growth matters—promotions, salary increases, advancing beyond entry-level roles—the flat earnings trajectory is worth serious consideration. This looks like a program that gets students employed quickly but may not position them for upward mobility.