Median Earnings (1yr)
$50,422
67th percentile (60th in MO)
Median Debt
$24,549
6% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.49
Manageable
Sample Size
98
Adequate data

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

Truman State UniversityOther business administration, management and operations programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Truman State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Truman State University graduates earn $50k, placing them in the 67th percentile of all business administration, management and operations bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri

Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (42 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Truman State University$50,422$60,033$24,5490.49
Ranken Technical College$73,200$64,987$26,2500.36
Columbia College$53,748$53,404$33,7030.63
Park University$53,201$58,471$22,4720.42
Rockhurst University$51,887—$23,2500.45
Saint Louis University$48,371$67,912$39,5160.82
National Median$45,703—$26,0000.57

Other Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs in Missouri

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Missouri schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Ranken Technical College
Saint Louis
$17,490$73,200$26,250
Columbia College
Columbia
$24,326$53,748$33,703
Park University
Parkville
$16,400$53,201$22,472
Rockhurst University
Kansas City
$43,420$51,887$23,250
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis
$53,244$48,371$39,516

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.