Location: Bowling Green, KY•In-State Tuition: $11,436•Out-of-State Tuition: $27,000•Admission Rate: 97%•Avg SAT: 977
Median Earnings (1yr)
$49,823
21st percentile
Median Debt
$21,500
8% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.43 ManageableSample: 29 graduates Limited data

Analysis

Western Kentucky's Management Sciences program looks like a reasonable option within Kentucky—it matches the state median—but the small sample size (under 30 graduates) makes it hard to draw firm conclusions. What's more telling is the national comparison: graduates here earn about $12,000 less annually than the typical grad from this type of program, landing in just the 21st percentile nationally. That gap matters when you consider that management sciences degrees at other schools often lead to data analyst, operations, or consulting roles with stronger starting salaries.

The debt load of $21,500 is actually better than the national median for this degree, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43 that's manageable by most standards. Within Kentucky's limited landscape (only three schools offer this program), the outcomes here are middle-of-the-pack. But the broader concern is whether a Kentucky management sciences degree travels well beyond the state's borders, given how far below national benchmarks these earnings fall.

With such a tiny graduating class, these numbers could swing dramatically year to year based on just a few students' outcomes. If your child is considering this path, the real question isn't just about this specific program—it's whether they'd be better served by a more established quantitative program at a school with stronger employer pipelines, even if it means going out of state.

Where Western Kentucky University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all management sciences and quantitative methods bachelors's programs nationally

Western Kentucky UniversityOther management sciences and quantitative methods programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Western Kentucky University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Western Kentucky University earns $50k — 21th percentile among management sciences and quantitative methods bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Western Kentucky UniversityBowling Green$11,436$49,823—$21,5000.43
University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia$66,104$104,502—$15,7500.15
New York UniversityNew York$60,438$102,572$129,049$17,2500.17
Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge$60,156$99,843———
University of Virginia-Main CampusCharlottesville$20,986$93,565—$18,3470.20
Georgetown UniversityWashington$65,081$92,963———
National Median—$62,069—$23,2500.37

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with management sciences and quantitative methods graduates

Actuaries

Analyze statistical data, such as mortality, accident, sickness, disability, and retirement rates and construct probability tables to forecast risk and liability for payment of future benefits. May ascertain insurance rates required and cash reserves necessary to ensure payment of future benefits.

$125,770/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Scientists

Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Intelligence Analysts

Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports. Devise methods for identifying data patterns and trends in available information sources.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Data Managers

Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends.

$112,590/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

Chief Sustainability Officers

Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

General and Operations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Statisticians

Develop or apply mathematical or statistical theory and methods to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide usable information. May specialize in fields such as biostatistics, agricultural statistics, business statistics, or economic statistics. Includes mathematical and survey statisticians.

$104,350/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Biostatisticians

Develop and apply biostatistical theory and methods to the study of life sciences.

$104,350/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Management Analysts

Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants.

$101,190/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Operations Research Analysts

Formulate and apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods to develop and interpret information that assists management with decisionmaking, policy formulation, or other managerial functions. May collect and analyze data and develop decision support software, services, or products. May develop and supply optimal time, cost, or logistics networks for program evaluation, review, or implementation.

$91,290/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 Western Kentucky University, approximately 29% 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 29 graduates with reported earnings and 27 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.