BUSINESS
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BUSINESS
Business
Salary data, career paths, top colleges, and every specialization, all sourced from College Scorecard, IPEDS, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
About Business
The most versatile degree in America — marketing, finance, accounting, and management skills that transfer into every industry, from healthcare to tech. Graduates earn a national median of $68,257 four years after completing their degree, per College Scorecard data. The field is offered at 3,021 colleges and universities across the United States. Approximately 829,210 students complete degrees in this area each year.
- Median Earnings · 1yr
- $49,268
- Median Earnings · 4yr
- $68,257
- Colleges Offering
- 3,021
- Graduates / Year
- 829,210
- Specializations
- 22
- Avg Net Price / yr
- $21,265
Is a Business Degree Right for You?
$68,257
Median earnings · 4yr
+4.3%
10yr job growth
22
Specializations
Is the Investment Worth It?
Breaks even in
~2.2
yrs
vs $30K/yr baseline wage
Solid ROI. Median earnings of $68,257 after 4 years. Against an estimated $85,060 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 2.2 years.
ROI varies significantly by specialization and institution. A top program in a high-demand specialization can return many multiples of its cost. A lower-tier program in a saturated field may take a decade to break even. Use the Specializations and Best Colleges sections above to compare your specific options before deciding.
How Much Do Business Majors Earn?
Business graduates start at a median $49,268 one year out and reach $68,257 four years later. Both figures are national medians from College Scorecard, measured across all 3,021 US institutions offering programs in this field.
$49,268
1 Year After Graduation
Median at the institutional level. Entry-level salaries; reflects career start, not peak earnings.
$68,257
4-Year National Median
Enrollment-weighted national median across all institutions. Most graduates have 2-3 years of career experience at this point.
$68,789
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size. Closer to what a typical school's graduates earn.
Earnings Range Across Specializations
Not all Business specializations pay the same. The most lucrative programs pay $95,124/yr nationally, while the lowest-earning specializations average $28,311/yr. See the Specializations section below for a program-by-program breakdown.
$28,311
Lowest
$68,257
Median
$95,124
Highest
What Can You Do With a Business Degree?
Career Paths for Business Graduates
Business connects to 8 occupations tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, spanning entry-level and senior roles. Chief Executives leads in median earnings at $213,990/yr. Each row includes national wages, employment levels, and 10-year growth projections.
Chief Executives
Bachelor's degree
$213,990
↗ +4.3% growth
Computer & Information Systems Manager
Bachelor's degree
$175,140
↗ +15.2% growth
Architectural & Engineering Manager
Bachelor's degree
$171,270
↗ +3.8% growth
Natural Sciences Managers
Bachelor's degree
$167,220
↗ +3.7% growth
Marketing Manager
Bachelor's degree
$166,790
↗ +6.6% growth
Financial Manager
Bachelor's degree
$166,570
↗ +14.8% growth
Human Resources Manager
Bachelor's degree
$149,280
↗ +5.0% growth
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Bachelor's degree
$149,230
↗ +0.2% growth
Business Specializations
Business breaks into 22 specializations. Earnings range widely from $28,311 to $95,124 at the four-year mark. Each row links to a dedicated program profile. Sorted highest-paying first, based on national College Scorecard data.
Specialization
Colleges
Grads/yr
Earnings · 4yr
Best Colleges for Business
The 20 colleges below are ranked by Business graduate volume, how many students completed this degree in the last reporting year. All data points shown (acceptance rate, net price, earnings, grad rate) come from College Scorecard and IPEDS.
1
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH · Nonprofit
Acceptance
99.5%
Net price/yr
$36,708
Earnings 10yr
$50,318
Grad rate
30%
2
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ · Nonprofit
Acceptance
78.9%
Net price/yr
$22,472
Earnings 10yr
$42,186
Grad rate
42%
3
Florida International University
Miami, FL · Public
Acceptance
54.7%
Net price/yr
$9,288
Earnings 10yr
$60,249
Grad rate
54%
4
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL · Public
Acceptance
42.4%
Net price/yr
$14,355
Earnings 10yr
$81,054
Grad rate
82%
5
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA · Nonprofit
Acceptance
99%
Net price/yr
$29,357
Earnings 10yr
$44,813
Grad rate
34%
6
Arizona State University Campus Immersion
Tempe, AZ · Public
Acceptance
89.9%
Net price/yr
$14,967
Earnings 10yr
$62,668
Grad rate
59%
7
Indiana University-Bloomington
Bloomington, IN · Public
Acceptance
78.2%
Net price/yr
$16,264
Earnings 10yr
$63,742
Grad rate
65%
8
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA · Nonprofit
Acceptance
9.8%
Net price/yr
$32,740
Earnings 10yr
$92,498
Grad rate
88%
9
CUNY Bernard M Baruch College
New York, NY · Public
Acceptance
47.5%
Net price/yr
$3,033
Earnings 10yr
$75,971
Grad rate
64%
10
New York University
New York, NY · Nonprofit
Acceptance
9.2%
Net price/yr
$37,050
Earnings 10yr
$82,509
Grad rate
76%
11
DeVry University-Illinois
Lisle, IL · For-Profit
Acceptance
98.4%
Net price/yr
$30,770
Earnings 10yr
$45,987
Grad rate
20%
12
University of Georgia
Athens, GA · Public
Acceptance
37.7%
Net price/yr
$13,936
Earnings 10yr
$68,726
Grad rate
76%
13
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL · Public
Acceptance
24.2%
Net price/yr
$11,297
Earnings 10yr
$61,675
Grad rate
78%
14
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, SC · Public
Acceptance
60.2%
Net price/yr
$22,811
Earnings 10yr
$62,177
Grad rate
70%
15
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL · Public
Acceptance
40.1%
Net price/yr
$10,411
Earnings 10yr
$58,308
Grad rate
55%
16
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL · Nonprofit
Acceptance
7.7%
Net price/yr
$29,167
Earnings 10yr
$89,363
Grad rate
89%
17
Boston University
Boston, MA · Nonprofit
Acceptance
11.1%
Net price/yr
$24,402
Earnings 10yr
$83,238
Grad rate
81%
18
Texas A&M University-College Station
College Station, TX · Public
Acceptance
57.4%
Net price/yr
$21,315
Earnings 10yr
$72,097
Grad rate
80%
19
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA · Public
Acceptance
83.6%
Net price/yr
$22,531
Earnings 10yr
$64,762
Grad rate
66%
20
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL · Public
Acceptance
76.7%
Net price/yr
$22,420
Earnings 10yr
$59,221
Grad rate
62%
Ranked by number of Business graduates per IPEDS completion data. Acceptance rate, net price, earnings, and graduation rate from College Scorecard. Read our methodology →
How Business Compares to Similar Majors
Major
$30k
$40k
$50k
$60k
$70k
$80k
$90k
$100k
Plan Your Path
Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Business degree, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find programs that match your profile.
College ROI Calculator
See if a Business degree pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings its graduates actually see.
College Cost Calculator
Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.
Compare Colleges
Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.
College Match Quiz
Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.
Business Degree: Pros & Cons
The data on Business tells a mixed story. Measurable strengths offset by real trade-offs. All 6 points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, Bureau of Labor Statistics projections, and IPEDS graduate counts. No editorial opinion applied.
PROS
- Above-average earnings Four-year median of $68,257 puts graduates ahead of many humanities and social science fields.
- Growing field Top career paths show up to +15.2% projected 10-year growth per BLS, including Computer & Information Systems Manager.
- Wide availability Offered at 3,021 colleges nationwide, including community colleges and online programs.
- High-earning specializations available Top specializations report median earnings of $95,124, creating strong upside for students who choose a high-demand track.
CONS
- Highly competitive job market Approximately 829,210 students graduate in this field each year, one of the highest volumes among all majors.
- High variance across specializations The gap between the lowest-paying ($28,311) and highest-paying ($95,124) specializations is large. Choosing a lower-demand track significantly reduces expected returns.
Business Degree: Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Business graduates earn?
Business graduates earn a national median of $68,257 four years after completing their degree, per College Scorecard data. Earnings vary significantly by specialization, institution, and region. Use the specializations table on this page to compare programs.
What is the starting salary for a Business degree?
The median earnings one year after graduation for Business degree holders is $49,268 at the institutional level, per College Scorecard. Starting salaries vary by employer, location, and specific specialization within the field.
What jobs can you get with a Business degree?
Business degree holders work in a range of careers. Chief Executives is one of the top roles by median wage ($213,990/yr nationally per BLS data). See the Career Paths section on this page for a full breakdown of related occupations, employment levels, and 10-year growth projections.
How many colleges offer Business?
3,021 colleges and universities in the United States offer programs in Business, per IPEDS data. Options range from community colleges offering associate degrees to research universities with doctoral programs. The Best Colleges section on this page ranks the top institutions by graduation volume.
Is a Business degree worth it?
At a median 4-year earnings of $68,257 and an average net price of roughly $21,265/yr across institutions offering this major, a Business degree can deliver strong returns, particularly in high-earning specializations. The ROI depends heavily on which institution and specialization you choose.
How long does it take to earn a Business degree?
A bachelor's degree in Business typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years. Online and part-time options can adjust these timelines based on your schedule and transfer credits.
What skills do employers look for in Business graduates?
Employers hiring Business graduates consistently prioritize financial analysis, communication, project management, and strategic thinking. Employers frequently look for candidates with internship experience and proficiency in tools like Excel, SQL, or business software.
Is graduate school worth it for Business graduates?
An MBA can boost earnings and open paths to management and strategy roles. ROI is strongest at selective programs with strong recruiting pipelines and if you target roles that specifically value the credential. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly requires or rewards an advanced credential.
What is the 10-year job outlook for Business graduates?
Based on BLS projections, the job outlook for Business graduates is moderate, with an average of +6.7% projected growth across related occupations. Computer & Information Systems Manager is among the strongest-growth roles at +15.2%. Demand will vary by specialization, employer sector, and geographic region.
Related Findings
-
The Sweet Spot: Majors With High Pay and High Growth
Only 12 of 38 college majors clear both an above-median salary and above-median job growth. Two of them, math and computer science, stand alone with double-digit growth.
- Job growth
- Major earnings
- Computer science
- Mathematics
- STEM majors
-
All 38 Majors, Ranked by What Graduates Earn
The highest-earning college major out-pays the lowest by a factor of two and a half. The full ranking of all 38 fields by median graduate earnings, with job growth alongside.
- Major earnings
- Highest paying majors
- Job growth
- STEM
- Field of study
-
Does Engineering Tech Out-Earn Engineering? The Data Says No
A popular claim holds that the applied engineering-tech degree pays more than the theoretical one. Across every program, engineering wins by about $10,000.
- Engineering tech
- Engineering
- Program earnings
- Applied degree
- Technician careers
Continue Exploring
Browse our full directory: every college, major, program, and career we track, all built from verified government data.
Colleges
Discover 3,811 verified US colleges and universities. Compare admissions, costs, outcomes, and earnings across every accredited institution nationwide.
Majors
Explore 38 fields of study spanning STEM, health, business, and the humanities. See earnings, top programs, and demand.
Programs
Browse 375 specific degree programs. See completion counts, earnings outcomes, and the colleges awarding the most graduates each year.
Careers
Look up 395 BLS occupations. Get median wages, growth projections, education requirements, and the majors leading to each career.