Business/Commerce at Strayer University-North Carolina

Strayer University's business program delivers solid earnings that rank nationally in the 81st percentile, but comes with a significant premium that may not be justified when compared to other North Carolina options. While graduates earn $55,431 in their first year—well above the national average of $47,506—this falls notably short of the state median of $66,076, ranking only in the 25th percentile among NC business programs.

The real concern is the debt burden. At $56,517, students graduate with more than double the national average debt load and significantly more than the NC average of $37,708. This creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.02, meaning graduates owe roughly their entire first year's salary. With 80% of students receiving Pell grants, this suggests many families are taking on substantial financial risk for outcomes that underperform compared to other in-state options.

The modest 8% earnings growth over four years also raises questions about long-term value. While the robust sample size makes these numbers reliable, the combination of high debt and below-average state performance suggests families should strongly consider other NC business programs that deliver better earnings with lower debt loads before committing to Strayer's premium price point.