Business Administration, Management and Operations at University of Louisiana at Monroe

ULM's business administration program produces graduates who earn $37,011 in their first year—about $8,000 below the national median and slightly under Louisiana's state average. While the program sits at just the 15th percentile nationally, its 40th percentile ranking within Louisiana suggests it's performing closer to typical for in-state options, where many peer programs face similar challenges. The $24,500 debt load is manageable at 0.66 times first-year earnings, meaning graduates can realistically tackle their loans even with below-average starting salaries.

The positive trajectory matters here: earnings jump 20% to $44,361 by year four, nearly reaching the state median. This growth pattern indicates the program provides foundational skills that gain value with experience, even if employers don't initially reward ULM credentials as generously as those from LSU or Tulane. For Louisiana families, particularly those seeking affordable tuition at a regional university, this represents a practical path to business careers without crushing debt.

The real question is opportunity cost. If your child can access Louisiana Tech ($42,099 starting) or LSU-Shreveport ($43,321) without significantly higher costs, those programs offer better immediate earnings. But for students admitted to ULM with solid financial aid packages, the combination of moderate debt and steady earnings growth makes this a workable choice—just not an exceptional one.