Median Earnings (1yr)
$43,209
38th percentile
40th percentile in Pennsylvania
Median Debt
$27,000
4% above national median

Analysis

Waynesburg's business program shows decent earnings growth but starts behind the curve—graduates earn $43,209 in their first year, landing below both Pennsylvania's $47,040 median and the national average. At the 40th percentile statewide, this means six out of ten Pennsylvania business programs deliver stronger initial outcomes. The gap widens considerably when compared to regional powerhouses like Pitt ($62,675) or even nearby competitors.

The silver lining here is impressive growth: earnings jump 48% to nearly $64,000 by year four, suggesting the degree opens doors even if the first job doesn't wow. Debt of $27,000 matches the state median and keeps the burden manageable at 0.62 times first-year earnings—a relatively safe ratio that most graduates should be able to handle. However, these figures come from fewer than 30 graduates, so your child's experience could vary significantly from these numbers.

For families prioritizing stability over prestige, this could work—especially if your student needs the high acceptance rate (92%) and plans to stay in the region. But if they can access Pennsylvania's stronger business programs, the higher starting salaries might justify the extra effort to get in.

Where Waynesburg University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Waynesburg University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Waynesburg University$43,209$63,887+48%
Carnegie Mellon University$95,891$123,200+28%
University of Pennsylvania$91,443$90,686-1%
Lehigh University$69,289$86,039+24%
Franklin and Marshall College$64,664$77,821+20%

Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania

Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (82 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Waynesburg UniversityWaynesburg$29,460$43,209$63,887$27,0000.62
Carnegie Mellon UniversityPittsburgh$63,829$95,891$123,200$23,2500.24
University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia$66,104$91,443$90,686$20,3480.22
Lehigh UniversityBethlehem$62,180$69,289$86,039$20,5000.30
Franklin and Marshall CollegeLancaster$68,380$64,664$77,821$19,5000.30
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh CampusPittsburgh$21,524$62,675$74,000$21,0000.34
National Median$45,703$26,0000.57

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with business administration, management and operations graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Water Resource Specialists

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Compensation and Benefits Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.

$140,360/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Human Resources Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.

$140,030/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Sales Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.

$138,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Waynesburg University, approximately 31% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 28 graduates with reported earnings and 30 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.