Business Administration, Management and Operations at Radford University

Radford's business program delivers middle-of-the-road outcomes, with first-year earnings of $45,380 sitting just below both national and Virginia medians. While the admission rate of 91% signals accessibility, the earnings reflect that accessibility—graduates land in the 40th percentile among Virginia business programs, trailing not just elite schools like William & Mary but also larger state institutions like Virginia Tech by $15,000 annually. The debt picture offers a modest bright spot: at $23,250, graduates borrow roughly $4,000 less than the state median, resulting in a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51.

The 10% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates find their footing, though they start from a lower baseline than peers across Virginia. With 35% of students receiving Pell grants, Radford serves a population that needs solid employment outcomes, and these numbers represent decent—if unspectacular—returns. The program won't catapult graduates into high-earning management roles immediately, but the combination of below-average debt and steady earnings growth means they're not drowning financially either.

For families prioritizing affordability and access over prestige, this works as a practical choice. Just understand you're paying for a credential that performs near the median—it gets the job done without standing out in Virginia's competitive business program landscape.