Business Administration, Management and Operations at Southwest Baptist University

Similar business programs at Missouri schools suggest this degree carries a debt load of around $26,000 while producing first-year earnings near $42,500. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61 sits right at the state median for this major, meaning graduates would likely dedicate roughly seven months of gross income to repay their loans—a manageable burden compared to many undergraduate programs. However, peer schools in Missouri demonstrate significant variation in outcomes, with top performers like Rockhurst and Truman State producing graduates who earn 20% more in their first year.

The challenge here is context. Southwest Baptist's open admission policy and mid-range SAT scores suggest a different student profile than more selective competitors, which could explain why comparable programs cluster around the state median rather than at the higher end. Nationally, business administration graduates typically earn $45,700 in their first year, putting Missouri programs slightly below that benchmark. For a family considering this investment, the estimated $26,000 debt seems reasonable if employment is secure, but the ceiling appears limited compared to what's possible elsewhere in the state.

The practical takeaway: if your student has competitive credentials that could gain admission to programs with stronger placement records, exploring those options makes sense given the wide earnings spread in Missouri. If Southwest Baptist's location, mission, or cost structure after aid offers distinct advantages, the estimated debt-to-earnings picture shouldn't raise red flags—but don't expect this path to dramatically outperform the typical Missouri business graduate.