Business Administration, Management and Operations at Suffolk University
Bachelor's Degree
suffolk.eduAnalysis
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 selectivityβits 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 salaryβa 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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $45,380 | $52,803 | $60,982 | $27,000 | 0.51 | |
| $67,680 | $71,675 | $86,804 | $17,873 | 0.25 | |
| $65,168 | $71,545 | $86,755 | $25,000 | 0.35 | |
| $56,032 | $69,970 | $89,884 | $23,000 | 0.33 | |
| $58,150 | $67,903 | $86,432 | $25,000 | 0.37 | |
| $41,010 | $64,591 | $88,200 | β | β | |
| National Median | β | $45,703 | β | $26,000 | 0.57 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business administration, management and operations graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Human Resources Managers
Sales Managers
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.