Business Administration, Management and Operations at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Shippensburg's business program sits comfortably in the middle of Pennsylvania's competitive landscape—earning $58,195 four years out places it around the 60th percentile statewide, well above the state median of $47,040. While it's nowhere near Carnegie Mellon or Penn territory, graduates earn more than many in-state alternatives while carrying slightly less debt than the Pennsylvania average ($25,919 versus $27,000). The 17% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests graduates gain traction as they establish themselves professionally.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52 represents a reasonable trade-off: students typically borrow about half a year's starting salary. With nearly a third of students receiving Pell grants and an 86% admission rate, Shippensburg serves as an accessible option for middle-income Pennsylvania families seeking a practical business credential. The $58,000 median at year four translates to manageable loan payments while building toward career advancement.
For families comparing regional Pennsylvania universities, Shippensburg delivers solid returns without requiring elite credentials for admission. It won't match the earnings of selective private universities, but graduates enter the workforce with modest debt and earnings that outpace both state and national medians for business programs.
Where Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania 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 Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania graduates compare to all programs nationally
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania graduates earn $50k, placing them in the 64th 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania | $49,677 | $58,195 | $25,919 | 0.52 |
| 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 Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, approximately 30% 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 227 graduates with reported earnings and 240 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.