Business/Commerce at Vermont State University

The estimated $23,624 in debt for this business degree sits below both the national program median and Vermont State's institutional average, which offers some relief against the program's relatively modest first-year earnings of $41,496. This debt load translates to monthly payments around $260 over ten years—manageable on a $41,000 starting salary, though it will certainly constrain early career flexibility. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57 falls within the Department of Education's acceptable range, suggesting graduates can realistically service their loans without severe financial strain.

What's less encouraging is where these graduates land compared to business majors nationally. At the 21st percentile nationwide, Vermont State's business program produces earnings about $6,000 below the national median for this credential. Peer programs across the country typically place graduates around $47,500 in their first year. That gap matters when you're competing for jobs in a credential that's widely available—471 schools offer bachelor's degrees in business, creating a crowded field where prestige and network often influence outcomes.

For a family considering this program, the key question is whether Vermont State's regional connections and lower estimated debt offset the earnings disadvantage. If your child plans to stay in Vermont and values the state school price point, this program offers a reasonable path into business careers without crushing debt. If they're targeting corporate opportunities in competitive markets where that $6,000 earnings gap compounds over time, they should weigh whether other options might better position them for those goals.