Business Administration, Management and Operations at Point Park University

Point Park's business management program starts graduates at $42K—about 10% below what the typical Pennsylvania business grad earns and 15% below the national median. Among PA's 82 programs, this lands at the 40th percentile, meaning six out of ten state programs launch graduates at higher salaries. The real issue isn't the starting point though; it's what comes next. By year four, earnings climb 26% to nearly $53K, a trajectory that actually outpaces many programs and helps graduates catch up to the national 75th percentile.

The debt picture offers some relief: at $31K, it's higher than state and national medians, but the 0.74 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than one year's starting salary. With a 98% admission rate serving a student body where 37% receive Pell grants, Point Park clearly targets a different demographic than Carnegie Mellon or Penn. The question is whether that $11K earnings gap versus other in-state options justifies the program, particularly when schools like Pitt place graduates at $63K.

This makes sense primarily for Pittsburgh-area students who need flexible scheduling or value urban campus access, and who can minimize debt through aid or family support. The strong earnings growth suggests career momentum, but you're betting on year-four outcomes rather than immediate payoff.