Median Earnings (1yr)
$50,422
67th percentile
60th percentile in Missouri
Median Debt
$24,549
6% below national median

Analysis

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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
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)

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Truman State UniversityKirksville$9,470$50,422$60,033$24,5490.49
Ranken Technical CollegeSaint Louis$17,490$73,200$64,987$26,2500.36
Columbia CollegeColumbia$24,326$53,748$53,404$33,7030.63
Park UniversityParkville$16,400$53,201$58,471$22,4720.42
Rockhurst UniversityKansas City$43,420$51,887$23,2500.45
Saint Louis UniversitySaint Louis$53,244$48,371$67,912$39,5160.82
National Median$45,703$26,0000.57

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with business administration, management and operations graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Water Resource Specialists

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Compensation and Benefits Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.

$140,360/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Human Resources Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.

$140,030/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Sales Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.

$138,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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.