Median Earnings (1yr)
$52,803
75th percentile
60th percentile in Massachusetts
Median Debt
$27,000
4% above national median

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 selectivityβ€”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 salaryβ€”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

Earnings Distribution

How Suffolk University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Suffolk University$52,803$60,982+15%
Babson College$69,970$89,884+28%
Wentworth Institute of Technology$64,591$88,200+37%
Boston College$71,675$86,804+21%
Boston University$71,545$86,755+21%

Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts

Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (44 total in state)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Suffolk UniversityBoston$45,380$52,803$60,982$27,0000.51
Boston CollegeChestnut Hill$67,680$71,675$86,804$17,8730.25
Boston UniversityBoston$65,168$71,545$86,755$25,0000.35
Babson CollegeWellesley$56,032$69,970$89,884$23,0000.33
Bentley UniversityWaltham$58,150$67,903$86,432$25,0000.37
Wentworth Institute of TechnologyBoston$41,010$64,591$88,200β€”β€”
National Medianβ€”$45,703β€”$26,0000.57

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with business administration, management and operations graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Water Resource Specialists

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Compensation and Benefits Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.

$140,360/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Human Resources Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.

$140,030/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Sales Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.

$138,060/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 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.