Est. Earnings (1yr)
$45,781
Est. from PA median (10 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,543
Est. from PA median (4 programs)

Analysis

Business programs in Pennsylvania show considerable variation in outcomes, and Waynesburg's estimated performance sits right at the state median. Based on comparable programs across PA, graduates typically earn around $45,800 in their first year—slightly below the national benchmark of $47,500 but competitive with several state flagship options. The estimated debt of $26,500 creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58, meaning graduates would owe roughly seven months of their first-year salary.

The challenge here is that these figures come from peer programs rather than Waynesburg's actual graduates, so there's inherent uncertainty about what this specific program delivers. What we do know is that business degrees are among the more practical undergraduate credentials, with clear career paths and relatively consistent employment outcomes. The school's 92% admission rate and moderate selectivity suggest it serves students who might not have access to more competitive programs, which could affect both the student support structure and eventual networking opportunities.

For families weighing this investment, the key question is whether Waynesburg offers advantages—location, class size, industry connections—that justify the debt when similar outcomes might be available at lower cost elsewhere in Pennsylvania. With business degrees, employer relationships and internship pipelines often matter as much as the curriculum itself, so investigating those specifics would help clarify whether this program can beat its estimated median performance.

Where Waynesburg University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania

Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (22 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Waynesburg UniversityWaynesburg$29,460$45,781*—$26,543*—
Albright CollegeReading$28,794$56,932*$55,634$33,500*0.59
Strayer University-PennsylvaniaTrevose$13,920$55,431*$59,763$56,517*1.02
Temple UniversityPhiladelphia$22,082$48,747*$60,375$27,000*0.55
Washington & Jefferson CollegeWashington$28,185$45,911*$59,080$26,085*0.57
University of Pittsburgh-JohnstownJohnstown$14,646$45,781*$51,789$26,625*0.58
National Median—$47,506*—$26,000*0.55
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates

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

Industrial Production Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the work activities and resources necessary for manufacturing products in accordance with cost, quality, and quantity specifications.

$121,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Quality Control Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate quality assurance programs. Formulate quality control policies and control quality of laboratory and production efforts.

$121,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Geothermal Production Managers

Manage operations at geothermal power generation facilities. Maintain and monitor geothermal plant equipment for efficient and safe plant operations.

$121,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels Production Managers

Manage biofuels production and plant operations. Collect and process information on plant production and performance, diagnose problems, and design corrective procedures.

$121,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biomass Power Plant Managers

Manage operations at biomass power generation facilities. Direct work activities at plant, including supervision of operations and maintenance staff.

$121,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Hydroelectric Production Managers

Manage operations at hydroelectric power generation facilities. Maintain and monitor hydroelectric plant equipment for efficient and safe plant operations.

$121,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Construction Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate, usually through subordinate supervisory personnel, activities concerned with the construction and maintenance of structures, facilities, and systems. Participate in the conceptual development of a construction project and oversee its organization, scheduling, budgeting, and implementation. Includes managers in specialized construction fields, such as carpentry or plumbing.

$106,980/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Administrative Services Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate one or more administrative services of an organization, such as records and information management, mail distribution, and other office support services.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Facilities Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate operations and functionalities of facilities and buildings. May include surrounding grounds or multiple facilities of an organization's campus.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Security Managers

Direct an organization's security functions, including physical security and safety of employees and facilities.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Executives

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

$105,350/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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 10 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.