Business Administration, Management and Operations at Utah State University

Utah State delivers strong national performance in business administration while keeping debt remarkably low, but Utah families should understand that in-state competitors offer meaningfully higher earnings. At $54,387 starting and $64,575 after four years, graduates earn well above the national median ($45,703) and rank in the 80th percentile nationally. The $14,000 median debt is exceptional—less than half the national average and among the lowest of any business program in the country.

However, within Utah's competitive business education landscape, this program sits at the median. BYU, Western Governors, Weber State, and Utah Valley all produce graduates earning $60,000+ in their first year, compared to USU's $54,000. The 40th percentile state ranking means six of the eleven Utah business programs outperform this one on earnings, though most carry higher debt loads. For families prioritizing minimal borrowing over maximizing early salary, that $14,000 debt figure represents genuine value—you're looking at debt equivalent to just three months of first-year income.

The practical question: Is USU's low-debt advantage worth the $5,000-$17,000 salary gap compared to top state programs? If your student qualifies for in-state tuition at BYU or can navigate Weber State's program, the higher earnings likely justify slightly more borrowing. But for students seeking accessible admission (94% acceptance rate) with virtually guaranteed graduation without crushing debt, USU offers a viable path into business careers that outperforms most national programs.