Business/Commerce at Northern Kentucky University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Northern Kentucky University's business program offers an unexpectedly strong return that outpaces most Kentucky competitors. At $48,654 in first-year earnings, graduates earn significantly more than the state median of $41,280—placing this program in the 60th percentile among Kentucky's 21 business programs. Even more impressive is the trajectory: earnings jump 26% to reach $61,090 by year four, suggesting graduates build marketable skills that compound quickly in the job market.
The debt picture reinforces this program's value. At $30,750, graduates carry slightly more debt than the state median, but the 0.63 debt-to-earnings ratio means they'll owe less than eight months of their first-year salary. This beats most national benchmarks and positions graduates to pay down loans relatively quickly. While Sullivan University leads Kentucky in first-year earnings, NKU's combination of outcomes and affordability delivers competitive value—especially considering the 96% admission rate means access isn't restricted to top test scores.
For parents weighing in-state options, NKU's business program represents a practical choice that translates into real career momentum. The earnings growth pattern suggests employers value these graduates more as they gain experience, not a common guarantee in business programs where many peak early and plateau.
Where Northern Kentucky University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Northern Kentucky University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Northern Kentucky University graduates earn $49k, placing them in the 54th percentile of all business/commerce bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky
Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (21 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Kentucky University | $48,654 | $61,090 | $30,750 | 0.63 |
| Sullivan University | $56,432 | $59,618 | $43,625 | 0.77 |
| University of Kentucky | $49,431 | $59,354 | $23,055 | 0.47 |
| Spalding University | $47,596 | $47,782 | $31,000 | 0.65 |
| University of the Cumberlands | $46,242 | $51,203 | $21,219 | 0.46 |
| Berea College | $44,627 | $52,009 | — | — |
| National Median | $47,506 | — | $26,000 | 0.55 |
Other Business/Commerce Programs in Kentucky
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Kentucky schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sullivan University Louisville | $14,220 | $56,432 | $43,625 |
| University of Kentucky Lexington | $13,212 | $49,431 | $23,055 |
| Spalding University Louisville | $27,850 | $47,596 | $31,000 |
| University of the Cumberlands Williamsburg | $9,875 | $46,242 | $21,219 |
| Berea College Berea | $49,326 | $44,627 | — |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Northern Kentucky University, approximately 24% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.