Business/Commerce at Sullivan University

Sullivan University's business program posts impressive earnings—$56,432 in year one places it in the 80th percentile among Kentucky business programs and 89th percentile nationally. That's $7,000 more than University of Kentucky graduates earn and $15,000 above the state median. For a private institution in Louisville, these numbers are genuinely strong.

The tradeoff is clear in the debt load: $43,625, nearly double both the state and national median of $26,000. While that 0.77 debt-to-earnings ratio falls within the "manageable" range that financial aid experts typically cite (under 1.0), it means graduates carry significantly more debt than peers from state universities who often earn less. The limited 6% earnings growth to year four suggests most of the program's earning power materializes quickly rather than building over time.

For families weighing options, this is a premium-priced program that delivers premium results in the Kentucky market. If your student has comparable admission options at UK or NKU, they'll graduate with roughly half the debt—though they'll also start $7,000-8,000 behind in earnings. The math favors Sullivan if the higher starting salary persists, but that depends heavily on individual career trajectory. The bigger risk is that only 11% of students receive Pell grants here, suggesting either high family incomes or a student body shouldering substantial private debt beyond federal loans.