Business Administration, Management and Operations at Robert Morris University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Robert Morris University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Robert Morris University graduates earn $47k, placing them in the 53th percentile of all business administration, management and operations bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (82 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robert Morris University | $46,589 | $50,806 | $27,000 | 0.58 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | $95,891 | $123,200 | $23,250 | 0.24 |
| University of Pennsylvania | $91,443 | $90,686 | $20,348 | 0.22 |
| Lehigh University | $69,289 | $86,039 | $20,500 | 0.30 |
| Franklin and Marshall College | $64,664 | $77,821 | $19,500 | 0.30 |
| University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus | $62,675 | $74,000 | $21,000 | 0.34 |
| National Median | $45,703 | — | $26,000 | 0.57 |
Other Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs in Pennsylvania
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh | $63,829 | $95,891 | $23,250 |
| University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia | $66,104 | $91,443 | $20,348 |
| Lehigh University Bethlehem | $62,180 | $69,289 | $20,500 |
| Franklin and Marshall College Lancaster | $68,380 | $64,664 | $19,500 |
| University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus Pittsburgh | $21,524 | $62,675 | $21,000 |
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.