Business Administration, Management and Operations at Wayland Baptist University

Wayland Baptist's business program gets graduates earning quickly but offers little upward trajectory—median earnings actually dip slightly from $51,763 to $50,475 over four years. That flat growth pattern is unusual but less concerning when you see the debt load: at $28,022, graduates carry below-average student debt (23rd percentile nationally) that represents just 54% of their first-year earnings. They're positioned to pay down loans efficiently even without significant salary progression.

The program performs solidly against benchmarks, placing in the 72nd percentile nationally and 60th percentile among Texas business schools. That $51,763 starting salary exceeds both the national median ($45,703) and Texas median ($44,084) by meaningful margins. Yes, elite Texas programs like UT Austin and TCU produce graduates earning $15,000-$20,000 more, but those schools typically come with higher costs and more selective admission (Wayland admits 54% of applicants). For a student prioritizing value over prestige, the combination of above-average starting earnings and manageable debt creates a straightforward path to financial stability.

The lack of earnings growth deserves attention—you'd expect business graduates to advance over time. But with 40% of students receiving Pell grants, this program clearly serves students who need immediate earning power over long-term optimization. If your child needs to start working and paying off loans quickly rather than waiting years for salary growth, this represents a practical choice backed by robust enrollment data.