Business Administration, Management and Operations at University of Minnesota-Duluth

UMN-Duluth's business program places you solidly above the national median for business degrees—earning about $6,000 more annually than typical graduates in this field—but middle-of-the-pack within Minnesota's competitive landscape. That 40th percentile state ranking tells a more nuanced story: you're paying similar debt to attend UMN-Duluth as you would at the stronger Twin Cities campus, which produces graduates earning $6,000 more right out of the gate.

The fundamentals are sound enough. A 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates manage their loans comfortably, and the 16% earnings bump over four years suggests reasonable career progression. With $25,576 in debt at graduation, you're not taking on crushing obligations. But Minnesota families should recognize they have access to notably stronger options—the Twin Cities campus, Rasmussen, and even the smaller Crookston campus all deliver better initial outcomes at comparable or lower debt levels.

For students committed to Duluth for location or fit reasons, this program won't derail their financial future. But strictly as an ROI decision, the business program doesn't represent UMN-Duluth's strongest value proposition compared to what else the state offers. If staying in-state matters and Duluth specifically appeals, you're making a defensible choice; if maximizing career launch trajectory is the priority, the data points toward other Minnesota options.