Business/Commerce at Plymouth State University

Plymouth State's business program trails its New Hampshire competitors significantly, with first-year earnings of $42,000 falling roughly $15,000 short of what graduates earn from UNH and Saint Anselm College. Ranking in just the 25th percentile statewide is particularly concerning in a small state with only four business programs—this is the weakest option among limited choices. The $27,000 debt load itself isn't excessive, but when you're earning substantially less than peers at nearby schools, that difference compounds over time.

The 37% earnings growth to $57,000 by year four is genuinely impressive and closes the gap considerably, suggesting graduates find their footing in the job market. However, that four-year mark is where many other NH business programs start, not where they end up. You're essentially paying to catch up to what peers earn immediately.

For New Hampshire families, this creates a straightforward calculation: unless Plymouth State offers significant scholarship money or other compelling reasons to attend, the math favors the state's other options. The high admission rate and accessible nature of the program matter for students who need that entry point, but parents should recognize they're trading lower initial earnings for the possibility of strong growth later—a trade that works better when debt is minimal or non-existent.