Business Administration, Management and Operations at Pacific Lutheran University

Pacific Lutheran University's business program outperforms 76% of similar programs nationally while keeping debt well below typical levels—a combination that's harder to find than parents might expect. At $52,919 in first-year earnings, graduates start above the national median of $45,703, and their debt load of $20,959 translates to a manageable 40% of first-year income. Within Washington state, this program sits comfortably in the 60th percentile, meaning it beats most in-state competitors despite PLU's accessible 81% admission rate.

The earnings trajectory looks solid: graduates see 16% income growth by year four, reaching $61,439. While this doesn't match the stratospheric returns of specialized programs like City University of Seattle's online offerings, it compares favorably to Washington's median of $49,004 and keeps pace with flagship state schools like Western Washington. For families weighing private versus public options, PLU delivers competitive outcomes without the debt burden that often comes with private education—their typical graduate carries about $5,000 less debt than the national average.

The value proposition here is straightforward: your child gets above-average earnings potential with below-average debt, which means more financial flexibility in those crucial early career years. For a business degree that opens doors without closing off options through excessive debt, this program delivers.