Business Administration, Management and Operations at Robert Morris University
Bachelor's Degree
rmu.eduAnalysis
Robert Morris University's Business Administration program lands squarely in the middle of the pack nationally but falls short when measured against Pennsylvania competition. While first-year earnings of $46,589 edge slightly above the national median, they sit below the state average of $47,040—placing this program in just the 40th percentile among Pennsylvania business schools. That gap matters for families comparing in-state options, especially when Pennsylvania State and Pitt graduates are earning $10,000-$15,000 more annually.
The financial picture itself is straightforward: $27,000 in debt against $46,589 in starting earnings creates a manageable 0.58 debt-to-earnings ratio, well below the concerning 1.0 threshold. Earnings do grow to $50,806 by year four, though that 9% increase barely keeps pace with inflation. The program delivers what you'd expect from a regional business school—steady employment and reasonable debt—without the salary premium that Pennsylvania's top-tier programs command.
For families seeking an accessible business degree without breaking the bank, this program does the job. But students with competitive academic profiles should weigh whether attending a more selective Pennsylvania school might deliver significantly better returns. The nearly $100,000 lifetime earnings difference between this program and state flagships adds up quickly.
Where Robert Morris University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Robert Morris University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Robert Morris University | $46,589 | $50,806 | +9% |
| Carnegie Mellon University | $95,891 | $123,200 | +28% |
| University of Pennsylvania | $91,443 | $90,686 | -1% |
| Lehigh University | $69,289 | $86,039 | +24% |
| Franklin and Marshall College | $64,664 | $77,821 | +20% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (82 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $34,940 | $46,589 | $50,806 | $27,000 | 0.58 | |
| $63,829 | $95,891 | $123,200 | $23,250 | 0.24 | |
| $66,104 | $91,443 | $90,686 | $20,348 | 0.22 | |
| $62,180 | $69,289 | $86,039 | $20,500 | 0.30 | |
| $68,380 | $64,664 | $77,821 | $19,500 | 0.30 | |
| $21,524 | $62,675 | $74,000 | $21,000 | 0.34 | |
| National Median | — | $45,703 | — | $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 Robert Morris University, approximately 22% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 91 graduates with reported earnings and 111 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.