Business/Commerce at Mount Saint Mary's University

A business degree from Mount Saint Mary's likely positions graduates right at the state median—based on comparable California programs, first-year earnings cluster around $47,000. That's essentially on par with the national benchmark for business bachelor's degrees, though it trails stronger performers in the state like University of Redlands by a substantial margin. With 55% of students receiving Pell grants, the school serves a largely first-generation and lower-income population, making the earnings trajectory particularly consequential for families weighing this investment.

The estimated debt load of roughly $28,600 translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61, which falls within manageable territory for business graduates. Similar programs across California suggest monthly loan payments around $320—tight but feasible on a $47,000 starting salary, especially in a field where earnings typically grow with experience. However, Los Angeles presents unique cost-of-living challenges that could make those early years financially strained, even with income that looks reasonable on paper.

For families considering Mount Saint Mary's business program, the value proposition hinges on factors these estimates can't capture: the school's network in LA, the quality of career services, and whether graduates actually secure business roles rather than lower-paying adjacent positions. The comparable outcomes data suggests this program won't disadvantage your child relative to most California business degrees, but it's worth understanding what specific advantages justify choosing it over lower-cost state school alternatives that produce similar starting salaries.