Best colleges for Business
Ranked by graduate earnings
The top bachelor's colleges for Business by graduate earnings are Bentley University ($70,365), Missouri University of Science and Technology ($60,645) and Arizona State University Campus Immersion ($50,740), based on median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, among programs with at least 20 graduates a year, excluding online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools and those with a graduation rate under 30%.
- Bentley University (Waltham, MA): $70,365, 113 graduates a year
- Missouri University of Science and Technology (Rolla, MO): $60,645, 32 graduates a year
- Arizona State University Campus Immersion (Tempe, AZ): $50,740, 1,453 graduates a year
- SUNY Maritime College (Throggs Neck, NY): $44,675, 53 graduates a year
- New York University (New York, NY): $41,421, 216 graduates a year
Compare 134 U.S. colleges offering Business by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 43 states.
Business programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $50,740 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 52.99.
About Business programs
The Business program, formally titled 'Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other', offers students a comprehensive understanding of the principles of business, management, and economics. This field of study is ideal for individuals looking to gain a broad overview of various elements involved in running a business, making it suitable for aspiring entrepreneurs and business professionals alike.
In this program, students explore core subjects such as accountancy, finance, marketing, organizational studies, human resource management, and operations. The curriculum is designed to equip students with essential skills and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of the business world.
Top 19 bachelor's programs, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, predominant credential. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bentley University Waltham, MA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $70,365 | 113 | 87% | $31,677 | $26,000 |
| 2 | Missouri University of Science and Technology Rolla, MO Public · Bachelor's degree | $60,645 | 32 | 64% | — | $24,242 |
| 3 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZ Public · Bachelor's degree | $50,740 | 1,453 | 68% | — | $19,802 |
| 4 | SUNY Maritime College Throggs Neck, NY Public · Bachelor's degree | $44,675 | 53 | 64% | — | $19,500 |
| 5 | New York University New York, NY Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $41,421 | 216 | 88% | $29,023 | $23,000 |
| 6 | Point Park University Pittsburgh, PA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $24,948 | 36 | 59% | $23,704 | $27,000 |
| 7 | University of Minnesota-Crookston Crookston, MN Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $82,115 | 6 | 50% | — | $29,062 |
| 8 | Southern New Hampshire University Manchester, NH Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Online | $80,842 | 49 | 43% | $34,565 | $15,697 |
| 9 | California State University - Dominguez Hills Carson, CA Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $61,114 | 5 | 43% | — | $27,160 |
| 10 | Oklahoma Wesleyan University Bartlesville, OK Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Small program | $57,559 | 6 | 35% | $26,671 | — |
| 11 | Benedictine University Lisle, IL Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Small program | $56,194 | 8 | 50% | $23,570 | $25,000 |
| 12 | Southwestern College Winfield, KS Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Small program | $53,543 | 13 | 36% | $26,868 | — |
| 13 | Arizona State University Digital Immersion Scottsdale, AZ Public · Bachelor's degree Online | $50,740 | 776 | 0% | — | $19,802 |
| 14 | Saint Xavier University Chicago, IL Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Small program | $48,593 | 7 | 57% | $12,935 | $22,280 |
| 15 | University of Wisconsin-Stout Menomonie, WI Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $43,266 | 7 | 55% | — | $25,000 |
| 16 | Widener University Chester, PA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Small program | $42,408 | 15 | 68% | $29,049 | $27,000 |
| 17 | South Georgia State College Douglas, GA Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $39,584 | 18 | 16% | — | $20,333 |
| 18 | Portland State University Portland, OR Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $37,585 | 18 | 53% | — | $20,250 |
| 19 | Susquehanna University Selinsgrove, PA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Small program | $36,089 | 13 | 82% | $23,620 | $27,000 |
Top 2 certificate and associate programs
Shorter credentials, ranked separately so they are not compared with four-year degrees. Ranked by median earnings one year after completion (often called starting salary), College Scorecard.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pennsylvania State University University Park, PA Public · Certificate | $56,412 | 364 | 86% | — | $24,950 |
| 2 | Pennsylvania State University - World Campus University Park, PA Public · Certificate Online Small program | $56,412 | 3 | 34% | — | $24,950 |
Specializations within Business
1 of the 1 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 52.99 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
Offered across 43 states & territories
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
Common questions
What is the focus of the Business program?+
The program focuses on the principles of business, management, and economics.
What subjects will I study?+
You will study accountancy, finance, marketing, organizational studies, human resource management, and operations.
What careers can I pursue with this degree?+
Graduates can pursue careers in management, marketing, finance, and other business-related fields.
Is this program suitable for aspiring entrepreneurs?+
Yes, the program provides a broad overview of business principles, making it ideal for future entrepreneurs.
How much do Business graduates earn?+
Business graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $50,740, College Scorecard (2019).
What is the CIP code for Business?+
Business maps to CIP 52.99 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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