Business Administration, Management and Operations at Truman State University
Bachelor's Degree
truman.eduAnalysis
Truman State's business program performs consistently above the middle tier, both nationally and within Missouri, though it won't match what specialized institutions deliver. Starting at just over $50,000 and climbing to $60,000 four years out represents solid progression—about $10,000 above the national median and nearly $18,000 above the Missouri average. At the 60th percentile among Missouri business programs, this places Truman ahead of most state competitors, though it's worth noting that technical schools like Ranken Technical College command significantly higher salaries for their business grads.
The debt picture is reasonable: $24,549 is actually below both national and state medians for business programs, meaning your child would graduate owing less than typical while earning more than typical. The 0.49 debt-to-earnings ratio translates to roughly half a year's starting salary—manageable territory that shouldn't constrain early career choices. The 19% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates are advancing, not stalling.
For families seeking value in a traditional four-year business degree without the sticker price of private universities like Saint Louis University, this represents a pragmatic choice. Your child won't command top-tier business salaries right out of school, but they'll enter the workforce with below-average debt and above-average earning potential for the region—a combination that makes repayment straightforward and provides a stable foundation for career growth.
Where Truman State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Truman State 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Truman State University | $50,422 | $60,033 | +19% |
| Saint Louis University | $48,371 | $67,912 | +40% |
| Ranken Technical College | $73,200 | $64,987 | -11% |
| Westminster College | $37,667 | $61,542 | +63% |
| Southeast Missouri State University | $41,604 | $59,502 | +43% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri
Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (42 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,470 | $50,422 | $60,033 | $24,549 | 0.49 | |
| $17,490 | $73,200 | $64,987 | $26,250 | 0.36 | |
| $24,326 | $53,748 | $53,404 | $33,703 | 0.63 | |
| $16,400 | $53,201 | $58,471 | $22,472 | 0.42 | |
| $43,420 | $51,887 | — | $23,250 | 0.45 | |
| $53,244 | $48,371 | $67,912 | $39,516 | 0.82 | |
| 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 Truman State University, approximately 15% 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 98 graduates with reported earnings and 91 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.