Business Administration, Management and Operations at Wisconsin Lutheran College

Wisconsin Lutheran College's business graduates start at $52,966—landing them in the 76th percentile nationally but the 60th within Wisconsin's competitive business education market. That positioning tells an important story: while these graduates significantly outperform the national median of $45,700, they're trading closer to the middle of the pack in a state with unusually strong business programs. They're earning about $500 more than Wisconsin's median, but trailing flagship Wisconsin-Madison by nearly $15,000 annually.

The financial picture itself looks quite manageable. With $27,000 in median debt (matching both state and national medians), graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.51—meaning they owe roughly half their first-year salary. The 16% earnings growth to $61,202 by year four suggests steady career progression. For a private college with a 79% admission rate, these outcomes demonstrate solid workforce preparation without the debt burden that often accompanies smaller private institutions.

For Wisconsin families, the calculus depends on comparing financial aid packages. If net cost approaches in-state public tuition, Wisconsin Lutheran delivers competitive outcomes with a potentially more personalized environment. However, families should recognize they're paying for a private college experience while getting middle-tier Wisconsin results rather than premium positioning—the earnings simply don't match what flagship programs deliver, even if they beat the national average handily.