Analysis
Wilson College's business program sits right at the Pennsylvania median for both estimated earnings and debtβ$47,041 in first-year income against $27,000 borrowed. That 0.57 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests graduates would dedicate roughly seven months of their first year's salary to paying off loans, a manageable though not exceptional position compared to business programs statewide.
The challenge here is context. Pennsylvania's business degree landscape is dominated by powerhouse programs where graduates earn $60,000-$95,000 right out of college. Wilson's estimated outcomesβdrawn from similar programs across the stateβfall well below this tier, though they match the typical Pennsylvania business graduate. The school's 90% admission rate and modest SAT scores suggest it serves a different student population than Penn or Carnegie Mellon, likely making affordability and accessibility its competitive advantage rather than premium salary potential.
For families considering Wilson, the practical question is whether business administration here offers better value than either local alternatives or different majors at Wilson itself. The estimated figures suggest a standard return for a Pennsylvania business degree, neither alarming nor impressive. If Wilson offers substantial merit aid or your student needs a smaller college environment, these numbers work. But if proximity to major employment hubs or alumni network strength matters for business careers, comparing Wilson's actual graduate outcomes (when your student visits) against regional public universities would clarify whether this specific program delivers on that median-level promise.
Where Wilson College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (82 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $27,000 | $47,041* | β | $27,000* | β | |
| $63,829 | $95,891* | $123,200 | $23,250* | 0.24 | |
| $66,104 | $91,443* | $90,686 | $20,348* | 0.22 | |
| $62,180 | $69,289* | $86,039 | $20,500* | 0.30 | |
| $68,380 | $64,664* | $77,821 | $19,500* | 0.30 | |
| $21,524 | $62,675* | $74,000 | $21,000* | 0.34 | |
| National Median | β | $45,703* | β | $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 Wilson College, approximately 27% 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 64 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.