Business, Management, Marketing, at Susquehanna University

Susquehanna's business program graduates earn $36,089 in their first year—$14,000 below the national median for business degrees and tied for the middle of Pennsylvania's offerings. While this places the program in just the 11th percentile nationally, it's worth noting it sits squarely at Pennsylvania's median, suggesting the state's business programs broadly underperform national benchmarks rather than this being a Susquehanna-specific weakness. The $27,000 in median debt is roughly average, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio that's manageable but not compelling.

The concerning element here isn't the debt load—it's the opportunity cost. Business degrees typically command stronger starting salaries, and families paying private school tuition deserve more than bottom-quintile national outcomes. The comparison to Widener University is particularly instructive: their graduates earn $6,000 more annually right out of the gate, which compounds significantly over a career. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) adds uncertainty to these figures, but the pattern aligns with what you'd expect from a program at a college with relatively modest selectivity.

For families considering Susquehanna specifically for business, this suggests evaluating whether the broader college experience justifies accepting below-average career launch numbers. If business outcomes are the priority, Pennsylvania offers stronger options—or consider whether this investment makes sense compared to a quality state school at half the cost.