Analysis
Notre Dame business graduates command some of the highest starting salaries in the country—$73,170 in their first year—placing them at the 95th percentile nationally and within Indiana. That's $26,000 above the typical business graduate and only slightly behind IU-Bloomington's $71,100, despite the debt estimate (derived from other Notre Dame programs) running about $3,000 higher at $27,000. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37, graduates could realistically pay off their loans within months if they prioritized it.
The earnings trajectory looks steady rather than explosive, growing 15% to $84,414 by year four. This isn't the dramatic salary leap you see in some technical fields, but the floor is remarkably high—Notre Dame business grads start where many programs peak. The university's 12% admission rate and 1510 average SAT signal that this selective student body likely brings networks and credentials that command premium compensation in competitive markets.
For families who can manage the estimated $27,000 debt load, this represents one of the strongest earnings outcomes you'll find for a business degree anywhere. The real question is whether your student can gain admission to a program this selective and whether the modest debt estimate holds true for your specific financial aid package.
Where University of Notre Dame Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Notre Dame graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Notre Dame | $73,170 | $84,414 | +15% |
| Indiana University-Bloomington | $71,100 | $89,404 | +26% |
| Indiana University-Indianapolis | $52,467 | $59,798 | +14% |
| Holy Cross College | $33,043 | $58,185 | +76% |
| Indiana University-East | $54,860 | $57,188 | +4% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (22 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Notre DameNotre Dame | $62,693 | $73,170 | $84,414 | $27,000* | — |
 Indiana University-BloomingtonBloomington | $11,790 | $71,100 | $89,404 | $19,500* | 0.27 |
 Indiana University-EastRichmond | $8,179 | $54,860 | $57,188 | $25,250* | 0.46 |
 Indiana University-IndianapolisIndianapolis | $10,449 | $52,467 | $59,798 | $22,003* | 0.42 |
 Indiana University-South BendSouth Bend | $8,179 | $48,238 | $51,179 | $20,500* | 0.42 |
 Indiana University-SoutheastNew Albany | $8,179 | $47,862 | $55,336 | $22,062* | 0.46 |
| National Median | — | $47,506 | — | $26,000* | 0.55 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates
Sales Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Construction Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Chief Executives
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Notre Dame, approximately 12% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 20 graduates with reported earnings and 18 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.