Business Administration, Management and Operations at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Bachelor's Degree
sbts.eduAnalysis
Similar business programs in Kentucky suggest first-year earnings around $41,665—about $4,000 below the national median for this major. That's not catastrophic, but it means graduates would be starting at the lower end of what business majors typically earn, putting them at a disadvantage against peers from programs like Asbury or Thomas More, where graduates often earn $20,000+ more right out of the gate.
The estimated $26,000 in debt sits right at Kentucky's median for business programs, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62—manageable but not comfortable. Making payments on that debt while earning in the low $40,000s will require discipline, especially in Louisville's increasingly expensive rental market. The seminary's unusual demographics—zero Pell grant recipients despite a 97% admission rate—suggest this may be drawing a specific population, but that doesn't change the economic equation.
For parents, the core question is whether the seminary's distinctive environment justifies accepting below-market earnings potential. If theological integration with business education is central to your family's priorities, that context matters. But if you're evaluating this purely as career preparation, comparable secular programs in Kentucky appear to deliver stronger financial outcomes. Request actual placement data from the school itself—where graduates work, what roles they fill—to see if the estimation reflects reality.
Where The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky
Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (27 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $13,086 | $41,665* | — | $26,000* | — | |
| $33,640 | $67,117* | — | $16,125* | 0.24 | |
| $38,400 | $63,458* | $64,305 | $38,363* | 0.60 | |
| $14,220 | $46,483* | $52,010 | $47,149* | 1.01 | |
| $10,896 | $44,564* | $54,581 | $20,500* | 0.46 | |
| $11,436 | $44,498* | $47,395 | $25,320* | 0.57 | |
| 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 The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, approximately 0% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 14 similar programs in KY. Actual outcomes may vary.