Median Earnings (1yr)
$54,054
79th percentile (60th in PA)
Median Debt
$26,395
2% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.49
Manageable
Sample Size
103
Adequate data

Analysis

York College's business graduates start strong at $54,000—nearly $7,000 above Pennsylvania's median for business programs and $8,000 above the national average. With a 94% admission rate and moderate debt of $26,395, this represents an accessible path to above-average outcomes. The 0.49 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can reasonably expect to manage their loans, though the modest 4% earnings growth over four years suggests the initial advantage matters more than long-term trajectory.

The state context tells a nuanced story: while York ranks in just the 60th percentile among Pennsylvania business programs, that's because the state is home to powerhouses like Carnegie Mellon and Penn with six-figure salaries. York competes in a different tier—among accessible programs for Pennsylvania students who want solid business careers without elite university credentials or price tags. The school serves a meaningful niche: one quarter of students receive Pell grants, yet outcomes exceed what most business graduates achieve nationally.

For families seeking practical returns from a business degree without the pressure of highly selective admissions, York delivers. Your child would graduate with manageable debt and earning more than most business majors across the country. Just understand that earnings plateau relatively quickly—the real value is in that strong first-year salary, not dramatic income growth later.

Where York College of Pennsylvania Stands

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

York College of PennsylvaniaOther business administration, management and operations programs

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 York College of Pennsylvania graduates compare to all programs nationally

York College of Pennsylvania graduates earn $54k, placing them in the 79th 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 Pennsylvania

Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (82 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
York College of Pennsylvania$54,054$56,315$26,3950.49
Carnegie Mellon University$95,891$123,200$23,2500.24
University of Pennsylvania$91,443$90,686$20,3480.22
Lehigh University$69,289$86,039$20,5000.30
Franklin and Marshall College$64,664$77,821$19,5000.30
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus$62,675$74,000$21,0000.34
National Median$45,703—$26,0000.57

Other Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs in Pennsylvania

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh
$63,829$95,891$23,250
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia
$66,104$91,443$20,348
Lehigh University
Bethlehem
$62,180$69,289$20,500
Franklin and Marshall College
Lancaster
$68,380$64,664$19,500
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
Pittsburgh
$21,524$62,675$21,000

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 York College of Pennsylvania, approximately 25% 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 103 graduates with reported earnings and 95 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.