Business Administration, Management and Operations at York College of Pennsylvania
Bachelor's Degree
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
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)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| York College of Pennsylvania | $54,054 | $56,315 | $26,395 | 0.49 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | $95,891 | $123,200 | $23,250 | 0.24 |
| University of Pennsylvania | $91,443 | $90,686 | $20,348 | 0.22 |
| Lehigh University | $69,289 | $86,039 | $20,500 | 0.30 |
| Franklin and Marshall College | $64,664 | $77,821 | $19,500 | 0.30 |
| University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus | $62,675 | $74,000 | $21,000 | 0.34 |
| National Median | $45,703 | — | $26,000 | 0.57 |
Other Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs in Pennsylvania
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (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.