Business Administration, Management and Operations at University of San Diego

USD's business program produces solid mid-career growth, with graduates earning $51,056 initially and jumping to over $70,000 by year four—a 38% increase that suggests the school's network and reputation gain value over time. While starting salaries lag behind elite California programs like Berkeley ($90,000) or USC ($72,000), they beat both state and national medians by comfortable margins. Among California's 98 business programs, USD ranks in the 60th percentile, positioning it firmly in the upper tier without commanding the premium of top-ranked competitors.

The debt picture is notably favorable: at $22,250, graduates borrow slightly more than California's median but less than the national average, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44 that most families can manage with standard repayment plans. The moderate sample size means these figures represent real outcomes rather than statistical anomalies, and the school's 19% Pell population suggests less socioeconomic diversity than many public alternatives.

For families willing to pay private school prices, this delivers respectable returns without the brand cachet or starting salary of USC or Pepperdine. If your child thrives in smaller environments and values San Diego's job market, the trajectory justifies the investment. But if maximizing year-one earnings matters most—perhaps to cover living costs independently—consider whether Cal Poly SLO or other strong public programs offer better value at significantly lower total cost.