Analysis
Taylor University's business program places graduates well ahead of the national median with first-year earnings of $53,504—outperforming 78% of similar programs nationwide. However, within Indiana's competitive business education landscape, the picture is more nuanced. While Taylor beats the state median of $49,245, it trails several in-state alternatives like Grace College ($62,251) and Ball State ($60,526), landing at the 60th percentile among Indiana business programs.
The debt load of $25,356 translates to a manageable 0.47 ratio to first-year earnings, meaning graduates owe roughly half their annual salary. This compares favorably to both national and state medians around $26,000. Earnings growth is steady if unremarkable—an 8% increase to $57,577 by year four suggests stable career progression without dramatic upward mobility.
The caveat: these numbers come from a small sample of recent graduates, so individual outcomes may vary more than at larger programs. For Indiana families, Taylor offers solid value—graduates earn more than typical business majors in the state while taking on slightly less debt—but high-achieving students might consider whether top-tier in-state programs justify a closer look. If the smaller, faith-based environment at Taylor aligns with your family's priorities, the financial fundamentals support that choice.
Where Taylor University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Taylor 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taylor University | $53,504 | $57,577 | +8% |
| Saint Mary's College | $52,891 | $74,163 | +40% |
| Purdue University-Main Campus | $57,106 | $71,553 | +25% |
| Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion | $58,880 | $62,714 | +7% |
| Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global | $58,880 | $62,714 | +7% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (41 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $39,104 | $53,504 | $57,577 | $25,356 | 0.47 | |
| $30,034 | $62,251 | $49,304 | $20,104 | 0.32 | |
| $10,758 | $60,526 | $59,631 | $20,500 | 0.34 | |
| $31,168 | $58,880 | $62,714 | $42,138 | 0.72 | |
| $8,216 | $58,880 | $62,714 | $42,138 | 0.72 | |
| $10,110 | $57,308 | $52,586 | $45,176 | 0.79 | |
| National Median | — | $45,703 | — | $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 Taylor University, approximately 13% 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 21 graduates with reported earnings and 20 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.