Analysis
Tulane's selective business program—drawing students with 1443 average SATs—produces estimated first-year earnings of $47,506, which matches the national median for business bachelor's degrees. The estimated $27,000 in debt sits slightly above the national median of $26,000, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57. These figures come from similar business programs nationally since Tulane's specific outcomes aren't publicly reported due to small graduate cohorts.
What's concerning here is the gap between institutional prestige and estimated financial outcomes. Tulane admits just 15% of applicants and serves primarily affluent families (only 9% receive Pell grants), yet the estimated earnings suggest graduates aren't commanding the premium you'd expect from a highly selective private university. Business majors at less selective public universities often hit similar first-year numbers without the private school price tag. The estimated debt figure likely understates the true borrowing picture at a private institution where total attendance costs exceed $80,000 annually.
For families considering this program, the value proposition depends heavily on factors these estimates can't capture: network effects, internship pipelines, and whether your child qualifies for substantial financial aid. If you're paying close to full freight, similar first-year earnings to much less expensive options should prompt serious financial planning conversations.
Where Tulane University of Louisiana Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $65,538 | $47,506* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $11,678 | $94,041* | — | —* | — | |
| $60,438 | $77,828* | $115,546 | $19,500* | 0.25 | |
| $64,758 | $76,722* | $91,708 | $18,899* | 0.25 | |
| $54,844 | $74,886* | $90,608 | $15,000* | 0.20 | |
| $63,141 | $74,868* | $91,376 | $24,000* | 0.32 | |
| National Median | — | $47,506* | — | $26,000* | 0.55 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates
Sales Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Construction Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Chief Executives
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 Tulane University of Louisiana, approximately 9% 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 national median of 242 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.