Median Earnings (1yr)
$47,278
56th percentile
60th percentile in North Carolina
Median Debt
$25,000
4% below national median

Analysis

William Peace University's business program performs solidly within North Carolina's competitive landscape, ranking in the 60th percentile statewide with first-year earnings of $47,278β€”about $4,000 above the state median for business programs. While it can't match flagship schools like UNC-Chapel Hill or NC State, it holds its own against private competitors like Meredith College, despite Peace's near-open admission policy serving a more diverse student population (35% receive Pell grants).

The $25,000 median debt load is notably lower than both state and national averages for business programs, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53 that positions graduates to manage repayment comfortably. Earnings grow 12% by year four to $52,835, which essentially matches the national 75th percentileβ€”suggesting graduates gain ground as they establish themselves professionally. This trajectory is particularly meaningful for first-generation college students who comprise a significant portion of Peace's student body.

For families prioritizing accessibility and financial safety, this program offers a practical path into business careers. The combination of below-average debt and above-average North Carolina earnings creates a solid foundation, even if it won't catapult graduates into the highest-earning tier. If your child thrives in smaller settings and you're staying in-state, the value proposition here is straightforward: manageable debt with earnings that eclipse most NC business programs.

Where William Peace University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How William Peace University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
William Peace University$47,278$52,835+12%
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill$85,618$105,246+23%
North Carolina State University at Raleigh$56,877$69,742+23%
Queens University of Charlotte$54,032$64,491+19%
University of North Carolina Wilmington$48,369$63,879+32%

Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina

Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (52 total in state)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
William Peace UniversityRaleigh$33,150$47,278$52,835$25,0000.53
University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill$8,989$85,618$105,246$14,3390.17
North Carolina State University at RaleighRaleigh$8,895$56,877$69,742$20,0000.35
Queens University of CharlotteCharlotte$43,285$54,032$64,491$23,2500.43
Meredith CollegeRaleigh$43,936$48,955$52,241$23,5000.48
University of Mount OliveMount Olive$25,950$48,751$50,645$35,5000.73
National Medianβ€”$45,703β€”$26,0000.57

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with business administration, management and operations graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Water Resource Specialists

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Compensation and Benefits Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.

$140,360/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Human Resources Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.

$140,030/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

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
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 Peace University, approximately 35% 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 55 graduates with reported earnings and 57 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.