General Sales, Merchandising at Southern New Hampshire University

A debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.5 is generally considered manageable, and this program appears to hit that mark. Based on comparable sales and merchandising bachelor's programs nationally, graduates can expect around $53,400 in first-year earnings—right at the national median—with estimated debt of roughly $24,800. That translates to monthly loan payments of about $280 over ten years, which should consume around 6-7% of pre-tax income, leaving room to build a career without being financially overwhelmed.

The real question is whether a four-year degree provides sufficient advantage in sales roles, where performance and results often matter more than credentials. Peer programs show considerable variation in outcomes—the top quarter of programs produce first-year earnings around $64,500, suggesting that institutional reputation, internship networks, and specialized training can make a meaningful difference. With Southern New Hampshire's 96% admission rate and nearly half of students on Pell grants, this is an access-oriented institution rather than one with elite employer pipelines.

For parents weighing this investment: the estimated debt burden appears sustainable if your student enters a sales career immediately after graduation. However, recognize that these figures are derived from similar programs elsewhere, not from tracking actual SNHU graduates in this major. If your student has strong interpersonal skills, consider whether associate-level programs or entry-level positions with employer-sponsored training might offer a faster path to the same income without the debt.