Analysis
Temple's business program punches well above its weight class. While graduates here aren't competing with Penn or Carnegie Mellon's elite alumni networks, they're earning $58,307 their first year out—putting them in the 93rd percentile nationally and solidly ahead of Pennsylvania's median of $47,040. This is particularly impressive given Temple's 83% admission rate makes it accessible to far more students than the state's top-tier private universities.
The debt picture makes this program especially compelling. At $20,500, graduates carry about $6,500 less debt than the typical Pennsylvania business major while out-earning them by over $11,000. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35 means these loans are manageable from day one. Compare this to paying Lehigh tuition for marginally better outcomes, or Franklin and Marshall where you'd earn $6,000 more but likely carry significantly higher debt.
For families looking at business programs in Philadelphia, Temple offers a pragmatic path to strong earnings without betting the house on elite credentials. The program delivers tangible financial results—first-year earnings that exceed three-quarters of business programs nationally—while keeping debt at levels that won't dominate your child's twenties.
Where Temple University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Temple University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (82 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Temple UniversityPhiladelphia | $22,082 | $58,307 | — | $20,500 | 0.35 |
 Carnegie Mellon UniversityPittsburgh | $63,829 | $95,891 | $123,200 | $23,250 | 0.24 |
 University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia | $66,104 | $91,443 | $90,686 | $20,348 | 0.22 |
 Lehigh UniversityBethlehem | $62,180 | $69,289 | $86,039 | $20,500 | 0.30 |
 Franklin and Marshall CollegeLancaster | $68,380 | $64,664 | $77,821 | $19,500 | 0.30 |
 University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh CampusPittsburgh | $21,524 | $62,675 | $74,000 | $21,000 | 0.34 |
| 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 Temple University, approximately 30% 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 80 graduates with reported earnings and 83 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.