Business Administration, Management and Operations at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

UW-La Crosse's business program performs solidly above national benchmarks but lands in the middle tier among Wisconsin schools. At $52,521 in first-year earnings, graduates match the state median and rank in the 75th percentile nationally—a meaningful advantage over the typical business program. However, within Wisconsin's competitive landscape, this places them at the 60th percentile, trailing flagship Madison by nearly $15,000 and several other state programs by $5,000-8,000 annually.

The debt picture offers a genuine advantage: graduates leave with $25,053 in loans, below both the state ($27,000) and national ($26,000) medians. That translates to a 0.48 debt-to-earnings ratio—manageable by any standard and better than many peer institutions. Modest earnings growth of 8% over four years suggests stable but not exceptional career trajectories, typical for mid-sized regional programs.

For families prioritizing affordability and reasonable outcomes, this program delivers. You're getting above-average national results with below-average debt, though Wisconsin residents should recognize they're not accessing the earning power of the state's top-tier programs. The 73% admission rate makes this an accessible option, and the strong sample size confirms these numbers reflect real outcomes, not statistical noise. If your student isn't competitive for Madison or Marquette, La Crosse represents a sensible middle ground that won't break the bank.