Business Administration, Management and Operations at Mount Saint Mary's University

Mount Saint Mary's business graduates earn $53,565 in their first year—about $8,000 more than the national average for business programs and $4,000 above California's median. Among the state's 98 business programs, this sits comfortably in the 60th percentile, though it's worth noting you're paying considerably more in debt than most competitors. The $35,859 median debt is 71% higher than California's typical business program debt load of $21,000.

The compensation trajectory looks reasonable, with earnings climbing to nearly $61,000 by year four. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.67 means graduates typically owe about eight months of their starting salary—manageable but not exceptional. What makes this distinctive is the school's mission-driven approach: 55% of students receive Pell grants, suggesting the program serves a predominantly first-generation and lower-income population who might not otherwise access a private university credential.

The question for families is whether the premium debt ($14,859 more than state average) justifies the above-average outcomes. You're not getting USC or Berkeley results, but you're clearing important financial hurdles while potentially gaining access to networks and support systems that state schools might not provide. The program appears to deliver on its promise for students who value smaller class sizes and a values-based education, but cost-conscious families with access to quality public options should run the numbers carefully.