Business Administration, Management and Operations at Purdue University Global

This Purdue University Global business program delivers strong initial earnings but comes with significant financial trade-offs. Graduates earn $57,308 in their first year—ranking in the 90th percentile nationally and well above both the national median ($45,703) and Indiana median ($49,245) for business programs. However, the program carries nearly double the typical debt load at $45,176 versus the $26,000 median for similar programs nationwide and in Indiana.

The concerning pattern emerges in the earnings trajectory: graduates actually see their pay decline 8% by year four, dropping to $52,586. This negative growth is unusual for business programs and suggests graduates may be taking higher-paying but less sustainable entry-level positions. While the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.79 is manageable initially, the declining earnings trend makes debt repayment more challenging over time.

Within Indiana, this program ranks in the 60th percentile—solid but not exceptional given the premium price. Several in-state alternatives like Ball State ($60,526) and Indiana Wesleyan ($58,880) offer comparable or better earnings with likely lower debt burdens. Unless your child specifically needs the online format or adult-learner focus that Purdue Global provides, traditional Indiana universities appear to offer better value for a business degree.