Location: Sterling, KS•In-State Tuition: $32,200•Admission Rate: 53%
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$62,069
Est. from national median (118 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$24,840
Est. from national median (44 programs)

Analysis

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 puts this program in reasonable territory—graduates of similar Management Sciences programs nationwide typically carry about four months' salary in debt, which is manageable for a quantitative business degree. The estimated $24,840 debt load aligns closely with both national and Kansas medians for this field, suggesting Sterling's pricing is competitive with peer institutions.

The earnings picture requires more context. With just four Kansas schools offering this major, comparing Sterling's estimated $62,069 to the University of Kansas's reported $62,993 suggests regional parity in outcomes. Nationwide, this program sits squarely at the median, though it's worth noting that top-quartile programs push into the low $70,000s. For a small Kansas liberal arts college, matching state and national benchmarks in a technical field like quantitative methods is encouraging, assuming Sterling's curriculum delivers the analytical rigor employers expect.

The real uncertainty here is whether a small school can replicate the outcomes of larger programs with more established corporate recruiting pipelines. Management sciences degrees typically benefit from extensive employer networks and internship connections. If Sterling compensates with strong individualized career support and regional employer relationships, the estimated numbers could hold. Otherwise, graduates might face a steeper climb to those median salaries than students at schools with reported data and proven placement records.

Where Sterling College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all management sciences and quantitative methods bachelors's programs nationally

Sterling College (estimated ±10%)Other management sciences and quantitative methods programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas

Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (4 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Sterling CollegeSterling$32,200$62,069*—$24,840*—
University of KansasLawrence$11,700$62,993*—$25,000*0.40
National Median—$62,069*—$23,250*0.37
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with management sciences and quantitative methods graduates

Actuaries

Analyze statistical data, such as mortality, accident, sickness, disability, and retirement rates and construct probability tables to forecast risk and liability for payment of future benefits. May ascertain insurance rates required and cash reserves necessary to ensure payment of future benefits.

$125,770/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Scientists

Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Intelligence Analysts

Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports. Devise methods for identifying data patterns and trends in available information sources.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Data Managers

Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Executives

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Sustainability Officers

Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

General and Operations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Statisticians

Develop or apply mathematical or statistical theory and methods to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide usable information. May specialize in fields such as biostatistics, agricultural statistics, business statistics, or economic statistics. Includes mathematical and survey statisticians.

$104,350/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Biostatisticians

Develop and apply biostatistical theory and methods to the study of life sciences.

$104,350/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Management Analysts

Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants.

$101,190/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Operations Research Analysts

Formulate and apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods to develop and interpret information that assists management with decisionmaking, policy formulation, or other managerial functions. May collect and analyze data and develop decision support software, services, or products. May develop and supply optimal time, cost, or logistics networks for program evaluation, review, or implementation.

$91,290/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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 Sterling College, approximately 32% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 118 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.