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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $29,460 | $45,781* | — | $26,543* | — | |
| $28,794 | $56,932* | $55,634 | $33,500* | 0.59 | |
| $13,920 | $55,431* | $59,763 | $56,517* | 1.02 | |
| $22,082 | $48,747* | $60,375 | $27,000* | 0.55 | |
| $28,185 | $45,911* | $59,080 | $26,085* | 0.57 | |
| $14,646 | $45,781* | $51,789 | $26,625* | 0.58 | |
| National Median | — | $47,506* | — | $26,000* | 0.55 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates
Sales Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Construction Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Chief Executives
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.