Business Administration, Management and Operations at University of Arizona

The University of Arizona's business program occupies an interesting middle ground: it beats national standards handily but trails most Arizona competitors. With first-year earnings of $50,924, graduates earn $5,200 more than the national median for business programs—placing them in the 69th percentile nationally. However, within Arizona's competitive landscape, this same performance lands at just the 40th percentile, falling roughly $13,000 short of what Arizona State and Embry-Riddle graduates earn.

The financial fundamentals work well enough. A debt load of $24,112 against $50,924 in first-year earnings creates a manageable 0.47 debt-to-earnings ratio, and solid earnings growth of 24% over four years shows the degree gains traction in the job market. The robust sample size makes these figures reliable, not statistical noise.

For Arizona families, the calculus depends on in-state tuition versus outcomes. If you're paying resident rates, this program delivers reasonable value despite its middle-of-the-pack state ranking. But if you're considering full out-of-state costs, recognize that ASU's business graduates are earning $10,000+ more annually while carrying similar debt. The U of A degree works—it just doesn't lead the pack in its own backyard.