Analysis
William & Mary's business program produces the highest-earning graduates in Virginia while charging about half the typical debt load—a rare combination that explains its 95th percentile ranking both nationally and statewide. At $75,038 in first-year earnings, graduates match the performance of more expensive private competitors like Washington and Lee, while carrying just $19,812 in debt compared to Virginia's $27,000 median. That 0.26 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can realistically pay off their loans in under four months of gross salary.
The 14% earnings growth to $85,678 by year four suggests strong career progression, and the robust sample size makes these numbers reliable. The only potential concern is the national debt percentile ranking (87th), but this reflects modest borrowing within an overall low-debt context—at an elite public university, most students may not need loans at all. For families focused on return on investment, this program delivers private-school outcomes at public-school prices, a combination that's genuinely difficult to find in business education.
Where William & Mary Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How William & Mary graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| William & Mary | $75,038 | $85,678 | +14% |
| Washington and Lee University | $76,627 | $98,403 | +28% |
| University of Richmond | $68,151 | $79,209 | +16% |
| James Madison University | $65,931 | $68,297 | +4% |
| George Mason University | $55,147 | $65,793 | +19% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia
Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (43 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 William & MaryWilliamsburg | $25,040 | $75,038 | $85,678 | $19,812 | 0.26 |
 Washington and Lee UniversityLexington | $64,525 | $76,627 | $98,403 | — | — |
 University of RichmondUniversity of Richmond | $62,600 | $68,151 | $79,209 | $20,500 | 0.30 |
 James Madison UniversityHarrisonburg | $13,576 | $65,931 | $68,297 | $19,750 | 0.30 |
 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBlacksburg | $15,478 | $60,678 | $60,297 | $22,535 | 0.37 |
 Averett UniversityDanville | $38,550 | $60,150 | $54,100 | $31,271 | 0.52 |
| National Median | — | $45,703 | — | $26,000 | 0.57 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business administration, management and operations graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Human Resources Managers
Sales Managers
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 William & Mary, approximately 12% 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 110 graduates with reported earnings and 116 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.