Business Administration, Management and Operations at Suffolk University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Suffolk University's business management program occupies an interesting middle ground in Massachusetts's competitive landscape. At $52,803 in starting salary, graduates earn notably more than both the national median ($45,700) and the state median ($48,790), placing this program in the 60th percentile among Bay State schools. While it can't match the elite starting salaries at Babson or Boston College (around $70,000), Suffolk delivers solid returns at a fraction of the admissions selectivity—its 85% acceptance rate makes this accessible to a much broader range of students.
The debt picture looks particularly favorable. At $27,000, graduates carry essentially the median debt load but earn considerably more than typical business majors. That 0.51 debt-to-earnings ratio means students borrow about half of their first year's salary—a manageable level that shouldn't strain post-graduation budgets. The 16% earnings growth to $61,000 by year four suggests steady career progression rather than a ceiling effect.
For families weighing Suffolk against more selective programs, consider this: your child gains access to Boston's robust business ecosystem and respectable earning power without needing stellar test scores. The numbers suggest Suffolk converts its accessible admissions into genuinely competitive career outcomes. If the sticker price doesn't balloon beyond that $27,000 debt level, you're looking at reasonable value in an expensive state.
Where Suffolk University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Suffolk University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Suffolk University graduates earn $53k, placing them in the 75th percentile of all business administration, management and operations bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (44 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suffolk University | $52,803 | $60,982 | $27,000 | 0.51 |
| Boston College | $71,675 | $86,804 | $17,873 | 0.25 |
| Boston University | $71,545 | $86,755 | $25,000 | 0.35 |
| Babson College | $69,970 | $89,884 | $23,000 | 0.33 |
| Bentley University | $67,903 | $86,432 | $25,000 | 0.37 |
| Wentworth Institute of Technology | $64,591 | $88,200 | — | — |
| National Median | $45,703 | — | $26,000 | 0.57 |
Other Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs in Massachusetts
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Massachusetts schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston College Chestnut Hill | $67,680 | $71,675 | $17,873 |
| Boston University Boston | $65,168 | $71,545 | $25,000 |
| Babson College Wellesley | $56,032 | $69,970 | $23,000 |
| Bentley University Waltham | $58,150 | $67,903 | $25,000 |
| Wentworth Institute of Technology Boston | $41,010 | $64,591 | — |
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 Suffolk University, approximately 27% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 68 graduates with reported earnings and 70 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.