Business Administration, Management and Operations at University of Management and Technology

With estimated debt of $46,797—nearly double what most Virginia business programs report—this degree faces an uphill battle from day one. Similar programs across the state typically saddle graduates with around $27,000 in loans, meaning students here are borrowing an extra $20,000 for credentials that appear to produce median earnings in the field. That debt load creates real friction: the estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.03 means graduates would owe more than an entire year's salary, making those first few years post-graduation financially tight.

The four-year earnings figure of $65,996 offers some relief, showing income growth that outpaces many entry-level business jobs. But even at that level, graduates would be managing loan payments that consume a significant chunk of their budget. For context, business programs at Virginia Tech and JMU—with reported outcomes around $60,000-$65,000—typically come with half the debt burden, giving their graduates far more breathing room.

The practical question is whether this program justifies borrowing twice what peer institutions require. If your student has other Virginia options with similar career placement but lower costs, those merit serious consideration. The earnings trajectory looks reasonable for business graduates, but the estimated debt load transforms an otherwise standard degree into a considerably more expensive investment than necessary.