Analysis
A Bachelor's in Business/Managerial Economics at this price point puts graduates in solid territory—similar programs in California suggest first-year earnings around $54,000 against an estimated $24,000 in debt. That 0.44 debt-to-earnings ratio means roughly five months of gross salary covers the total borrowed, which is manageable by conventional standards. The earnings estimate aligns almost exactly with California's median for this field, indicating the program likely delivers middle-of-the-pack returns rather than premium outcomes despite Redlands' private school price tag.
The challenge is uncertainty. With suppressed data at this specific campus, we're relying entirely on peer institutions to gauge outcomes. California's top performers in this major—UCLA at $84,000, UC Davis at $55,000—demonstrate the range possible within the state. University of Redlands sits at the accessible end of private education (81% admission rate, 35% Pell recipients), which may explain why its estimated outcomes track closer to state averages than elite privates. The $24,000 debt figure is actually higher than California's typical $18,000 for this major, eating into what would otherwise be a stronger value case.
For families comfortable with moderate borrowing and realistic about career timelines, the estimated numbers suggest workable finances—but only if actual outcomes mirror these peer-based projections. Request specific placement data from the admissions office before committing.
Where University of Redlands Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/managerial economics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Business/Managerial Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (18 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $57,614 | $54,064* | — | $24,000* | — | |
| $13,747 | $83,604* | $92,873 | $17,332* | 0.21 | |
| $13,160 | $66,360* | $70,643 | $36,551* | 0.55 | |
| $15,247 | $54,546* | $78,081 | $13,000* | 0.24 | |
| $51,790 | $54,457* | $78,938 | $25,000* | 0.46 | |
| $62,784 | $54,064* | $75,777 | $22,977* | 0.42 | |
| National Median | — | $53,219* | — | $22,250* | 0.42 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/managerial economics graduates
Economists
Environmental Economists
Financial Risk Specialists
Management Analysts
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
Survey Researchers
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 Redlands, approximately 35% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 9 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.