Business Administration, Management and Operations at Sullivan University

Sullivan University's business program sits at the 60th percentile for earnings among Kentucky schools, outperforming the state median by about $10,000 annually. Graduates earn $46,483 in their first year and see steady growth to $52,010 by year four—meaningful momentum that suggests career progression. However, the program's value is severely compromised by debt that's nearly double both the state and national medians.

At $47,149, the debt load here ranks in the 5th percentile nationally—meaning 95% of comparable business programs leave students with less debt. That creates a 1.01 debt-to-earnings ratio, which means graduates owe roughly their entire first-year salary. While the earnings trajectory is positive and above Kentucky averages, that debt burden will consume a significant portion of early-career income. Compare this to Northern Kentucky University, where graduates earn similar amounts ($44,564) but with debt closer to the state median.

For families paying full price, this presents a difficult math problem. The earnings performance is solid but not exceptional enough to justify debt levels this high. If your student has significant financial aid or scholarship opportunities that could cut that debt load in half, the program becomes more defensible. Otherwise, comparable outcomes are available across Kentucky at dramatically lower cost.