Business/Commerce at Strayer University-Global Region

Strayer's associate business program charges more than double the national debt level ($32,810 vs. $13,437) but delivers earnings that place graduates in the 95th percentile nationally. That premium pricing might seem steep until you consider the actual numbers: graduates earn $44,154 in their first year, nearly $8,000 above the national median, with steady growth to $47,516 by year four.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.74 means graduates typically owe less than nine months of their first-year salary—manageable by most standards. Within DC, the program ranks at the 60th percentile, which reflects the capital's higher earning potential across the board rather than any weakness in Strayer's outcomes. Over half of students here receive Pell grants, suggesting the program successfully serves working adults and first-generation students who need flexible scheduling.

For parents worried about the higher debt load, the relevant question is whether an extra $19,000 in loans is worth the $8,000 annual earnings premium. The math works if your child stays in the workforce and leverages these credentials into management or specialized roles. The steady earnings trajectory suggests graduates find stable employment rather than gig work or dead-end positions.