Business Administration, Management and Operations at The University of Tampa

Tampa's business program shows something unusual for a mid-tier private school: genuine upward mobility. That 54% earnings jump from year one to year four ($46,543 to $71,458) suggests graduates aren't just landing entry-level roles—they're advancing quickly. While the first-year number barely edges above Florida's median, by year four these graduates are earning $26,000 more than the typical state outcome.

The $26,000 debt load sits right at the national average but runs about $3,400 higher than Florida's median. Here's where the growth pattern matters: the 0.56 debt-to-earnings ratio looks manageable initially, but that year-four salary means loans become increasingly affordable as graduates establish themselves. Performing at the 60th percentile among Florida's 93 business programs isn't spectacular, but it beats the state median—and crucially, the trajectory outpaces what you'll find at most state schools.

The moderate sample size raises some uncertainty about consistency, and only 16% of students receive Pell grants (suggesting limited economic diversity). But if your student can handle the private school debt and you're betting on career progression rather than immediate returns, Tampa delivers something you can't easily find at a public university: a launching pad rather than a landing spot.