Business Administration, Management and Operations at University of Saint Katherine
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
A business degree from University of Saint Katherine produces earnings that trail not just elite California programs, but nearly every business school in the state. First-year graduates earn $34,407—roughly $15,000 below California's median for business programs and $11,000 below the national average. This places USK in the bottom 10% statewide and bottom 5% nationally among business programs.
The concerning part isn't just the low starting point—it's what you're getting for your investment. While the $21,000 debt load matches California's median for business degrees, you're pairing that with earnings that look more like an associate degree outcome than a bachelor's. For context, Cal Poly SLO business grads earn twice as much in their first year, and even mid-tier California State University campuses typically produce significantly better outcomes. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61 appears manageable on paper, but that's only because both numbers are low.
The very small sample size here (under 30 graduates) means these figures could shift dramatically year to year, but that uncertainty cuts both ways—it doesn't guarantee improvement. For a California family, this represents a tough value equation: paying for a four-year private university experience while achieving earnings closer to what many community college transfer programs deliver. Unless there are compelling personal or religious reasons to attend USK specifically, California offers dozens of business programs with stronger employment outcomes at similar or lower cost.
Where University of Saint Katherine Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of Saint Katherine graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Saint Katherine graduates earn $34k, placing them in the 5th percentile of all business administration, management and operations bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (98 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Saint Katherine | $34,407 | — | $21,000 | 0.61 |
| University of California-Berkeley | $90,008 | $123,780 | $12,195 | 0.14 |
| Golden Gate University | $77,752 | $87,027 | $33,968 | 0.44 |
| California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | $71,876 | $85,332 | $17,000 | 0.24 |
| University of Southern California | $71,668 | $87,767 | $17,375 | 0.24 |
| Pepperdine University | $69,751 | $82,688 | $28,000 | 0.40 |
| National Median | $45,703 | — | $26,000 | 0.57 |
Other Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of California-Berkeley Berkeley | $14,850 | $90,008 | $12,195 |
| Golden Gate University San Francisco | $31,243 | $77,752 | $33,968 |
| California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo | $11,075 | $71,876 | $17,000 |
| University of Southern California Los Angeles | $68,237 | $71,668 | $17,375 |
| Pepperdine University Malibu | $66,742 | $69,751 | $28,000 |
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 Saint Katherine, 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.
Sample Size: Based on 20 graduates with reported earnings and 25 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.