Business Administration, Management and Operations at Presbyterian Theological Seminary in America
Bachelor's Degree
ptsa.eduAnalysis
A business degree from a theological seminary might raise eyebrows, but the estimated economics here align reasonably with typical California business programs. Based on comparable bachelor's programs across the state, graduates would likely earn around $49,500 in their first yearβmatching the state median exactly and running slightly above the $45,700 national benchmark for business administration degrees. The estimated $25,000 debt load, also derived from similar California programs, produces a manageable 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio.
What's harder to assess is whether this program offers the same career network and recruiting pipelines as traditional business schools. The seminary context suggests a smaller, more specialized environment, which could be advantageous for students seeking faith-integrated business training but potentially limiting for those targeting mainstream corporate recruiters. With 47% of students receiving Pell grants, the school serves a population for whom affordability matters significantlyβand at least on paper, the estimated debt burden appears sustainable relative to likely earnings.
The fundamental challenge is that these are projections based on peer programs, not actual graduate outcomes. For a parent considering this investment, the key question becomes whether the seminary's unique positioning compensates for the lack of proven employment data. If your child specifically values the faith component and you're comfortable with a mid-market earnings trajectory, the estimated financials suggest reasonable risk. If maximizing earnings or prestige matters more, California offers dozens of business programs with documented track records substantially stronger than these estimates.
Where Presbyterian Theological Seminary in America Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (98 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,839 | $49,543* | β | $25,000* | β | |
| $14,850 | $90,008* | $123,780 | $12,195* | 0.14 | |
| $31,243 | $77,752* | $87,027 | $33,968* | 0.44 | |
| $11,075 | $71,876* | $85,332 | $17,000* | 0.24 | |
| $68,237 | $71,668* | $87,767 | $17,375* | 0.24 | |
| $66,742 | $69,751* | $82,688 | $28,000* | 0.40 | |
| National Median | β | $45,703* | β | $26,000* | 0.57 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business administration, management and operations graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Human Resources Managers
Sales Managers
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 Presbyterian Theological Seminary in America, approximately 47% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 61 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.