Business Administration, Management and Operations at Vanguard University of Southern California

Vanguard's business graduates start strong—earning $58,539 their first year puts them in the 93rd percentile nationally for business programs. That's $13,000 above the national median and solidly in the top tier of business outcomes. However, at the 60th percentile in California, they're landing in the middle of the state pack, where programs like Cal Poly SLO and USC generate significantly higher returns.

The concerning pattern here is the earnings decline: graduates actually earn less four years out ($55,422) than they do right after graduation. With a small sample size (under 30 grads), this could reflect individual career choices rather than program-wide issues, but it's worth noting that most business programs show earnings growth over time. The debt load of $26,500 is reasonable—close to the national median and manageable given first-year earnings—but California programs typically carry lower debt ($21,000 median).

For families weighing this option, the value depends on alternative admissions prospects. If your child can access one of California's stronger public business programs, those offer better long-term earnings potential at lower cost. But if Vanguard is the most realistic option among private schools, the combination of strong initial earnings and moderate debt suggests graduates can establish themselves financially, even if the long-term trajectory remains uncertain.