Business Administration, Management and Operations at William & Mary
Bachelor's Degree
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How William & Mary graduates compare to all programs nationally
William & Mary graduates earn $75k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all business administration, management and operations bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia
Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (43 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| William & Mary | $75,038 | $85,678 | $19,812 | 0.26 |
| Washington and Lee University | $76,627 | $98,403 | — | — |
| University of Richmond | $68,151 | $79,209 | $20,500 | 0.30 |
| James Madison University | $65,931 | $68,297 | $19,750 | 0.30 |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | $60,678 | $60,297 | $22,535 | 0.37 |
| Averett University | $60,150 | $54,100 | $31,271 | 0.52 |
| National Median | $45,703 | — | $26,000 | 0.57 |
Other Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs in Virginia
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Virginia schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington and Lee University Lexington | $64,525 | $76,627 | — |
| University of Richmond University of Richmond | $62,600 | $68,151 | $20,500 |
| James Madison University Harrisonburg | $13,576 | $65,931 | $19,750 |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg | $15,478 | $60,678 | $22,535 |
| Averett University Danville | $38,550 | $60,150 | $31,271 |
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.