Business Administration, Management and Operations at United States Military Academy

West Point's business program defies typical college cost analysis, but these estimated figures—$42,000 in first-year earnings against $20,000 in debt—miss the institution's fundamental reality. Cadets attend tuition-free in exchange for five years of military service after graduation, meaning traditional debt metrics are essentially irrelevant here. The estimated earnings figure, drawn from New York's median for business programs, likely doesn't capture military officer compensation, which includes base pay plus housing allowances, healthcare, and other benefits that substantially exceed $42,000.

The real calculus for West Point involves service commitment rather than debt burden. Your child would be comparing a no-tuition education with guaranteed employment against civilian business programs where debt could easily exceed $100,000 at private institutions. Similar business programs at selective New York schools show earnings ranging from $65,000 to $113,000, but none can match West Point's zero-cost model. However, the service obligation is non-negotiable and career flexibility is limited for the first five years.

For families evaluating West Point, the question isn't whether the debt-to-earnings ratio works—it's whether your child is prepared for military service and values the leadership training and network that comes with it. If they're admitted and committed to serving, the financial advantage is clear-cut.