Business Administration, Management and Operations at Mount Vernon Nazarene University

Mount Vernon Nazarene's business program offers a compelling combination that many parents will appreciate: above-average earnings with notably lower debt than peers. Starting at nearly $52,000—about $6,000 above both national and Ohio medians—graduates earn roughly 72nd percentile nationally while carrying debt that ranks in just the 16th percentile. That's a meaningful financial advantage right out of the gate.

Within Ohio's competitive business landscape of 64 programs, this sits solidly in the middle tier. It won't match the $60,000+ starting salaries from Ohio State or Miami University, but the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.60 beats most programs at those larger institutions. Graduates can realistically pay down $31,000 in debt on a $52,000 salary far more comfortably than peers at pricier programs. The 8% earnings growth to year four shows steady progression, even if this isn't a path to executive-level compensation immediately.

The moderate sample size suggests consistent but not spectacular outcomes. For families prioritizing affordability and solid returns over prestige, this represents smart financial positioning. Your child won't graduate with both high debt and mediocre earnings—the combination that creates real financial stress. They'll start with manageable obligations and above-average income, which is exactly the foundation you want for a business career.