Business Administration, Management and Operations at Salem College

Salem College's business program graduates see their earnings **decline by 13%** between year one and year four—dropping from $43,299 to $37,714. This backward trajectory is unusual and troubling, especially when graduates from UNC-Chapel Hill and NC State are earning substantially more ($85,618 and $56,877 respectively) just four years out. At right around the NC state median, Salem sits in the 40th percentile among North Carolina business programs, meaning 60% of similar programs in the state deliver better outcomes.

The debt picture offers modest relief: at $27,000, it's nearly identical to both state and national medians, and the initial debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62 is reasonable. However, that ratio becomes less favorable as earnings decline over time. Nearly half of Salem's students receive Pell grants, suggesting many families here are making significant financial sacrifices for degrees that aren't accelerating careers the way business degrees typically should.

For families considering this program, the concerning earnings trajectory demands explanation. Business graduates usually see steady income growth as they gain experience, not decline. Before committing, parents should ask Salem directly about post-graduation career support and why their business alumni appear to lose ground financially in those critical early career years.