Best colleges for Business/Commerce
Ranked by graduate earnings
The top bachelor's colleges for Business/Commerce by graduate earnings are New York University ($77,828), Wake Forest University ($76,722) and Baylor University ($74,886), 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%.
- New York University (New York, NY): $77,828, 41 graduates a year
- Wake Forest University (Winston-Salem, NC): $76,722, 98 graduates a year
- Baylor University (Waco, TX): $74,886, 64 graduates a year
- Northeastern University (Boston, MA): $74,868, 1,250 graduates a year
- Northeastern University Professional Programs (Boston, MA): $74,868, 51 graduates a year
Compare 806 U.S. colleges offering Business/Commerce by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 53 states.
Business/Commerce programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $43,757 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 52.01 and the General and Operations Managers occupation (BLS SOC).
About Business/Commerce programs
The Business/Commerce program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of business management, marketing, and related services. This program is ideal for those interested in pursuing a career in various sectors of the economy, focusing on the production, pricing, sales, and distribution of products and services. Students in this program will engage with essential business concepts and develop critical skills needed to thrive in a competitive marketplace. Whether you aim to start your own business or contribute to an established organization, this program equips you with the knowledge to succeed in diverse business environments.
Core coursework in the Business/Commerce program covers essential skills such as administration and management, customer service, and financial analysis. Students will also enhance their abilities in critical thinking, effective communication, and strategic planning, preparing them for various roles in the business sector.
Top 25 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 | New York University New York, NY Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $77,828 | 41 | 88% | $29,023 | $19,500 |
| 2 | Wake Forest University Winston-Salem, NC Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $76,722 | 98 | 89% | $20,914 | $18,899 |
| 3 | Baylor University Waco, TX Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $74,886 | 64 | 80% | $35,682 | $15,000 |
| 4 | Northeastern University Boston, MA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $74,868 | 1,250 | 91% | $18,925 | $24,000 |
| 5 | Northeastern University Professional Programs Boston, MA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $74,868 | 51 | — | — | $24,000 |
| 6 | University of Notre Dame Notre Dame, IN Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $73,170 | 42 | 95% | $19,452 | — |
| 7 | Indiana University - Bloomington Bloomington, IN Public · Bachelor's degree | $71,100 | 3,769 | 80% | — | $19,500 |
| 8 | Augusta University Augusta, GA Public · Bachelor's degree | $60,541 | 97 | 49% | — | $18,531 |
| 9 | Saint Anselm College Manchester, NH Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $60,054 | 28 | 80% | $29,600 | $27,000 |
| 10 | Saint Cloud State University Saint Cloud, MN Public · Bachelor's degree | $59,378 | 38 | 40% | — | — |
| 11 | University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth North Dartmouth, MA Public · Bachelor's degree | $59,287 | 33 | 52% | — | $24,973 |
| 12 | University of New Hampshire Durham, NH Public · Bachelor's degree | $57,378 | 162 | 76% | — | $25,500 |
| 13 | University of New Hampshire at Manchester Manchester, NH Public · Bachelor's degree | $57,378 | 20 | 50% | — | $25,500 |
| 14 | University of Houston-Clear Lake Houston, TX Public · Bachelor's degree | $56,494 | 87 | 52% | — | $23,766 |
| 15 | Sullivan University Louisville, KY Private for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $56,432 | 24 | 71% | $29,703 | $43,625 |
| 16 | Seattle Pacific University Seattle, WA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $56,283 | 61 | 62% | $24,653 | $22,000 |
| 17 | Oakland University Rochester Hills, MI Public · Bachelor's degree | $56,118 | 69 | 58% | — | $27,250 |
| 18 | University of Missouri-Columbia Columbia, MO Public · Bachelor's degree | $55,999 | 1,058 | 75% | — | $21,500 |
| 19 | Brandeis University Waltham, MA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $55,806 | 61 | 86% | $25,074 | $26,000 |
| 20 | Walsh College Troy, MI Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $55,524 | 37 | — | — | $18,000 |
| 21 | The University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $94,041 | 1 | 89% | — | — |
| 22 | CUNY Graduate School and University Center New York, NY Public · Bachelor's degree Online | $65,520 | 113 | — | — | $14,500 |
| 23 | University of Georgia Athens, GA Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $60,895 | 19 | 90% | — | $25,092 |
| 24 | Concordia University Texas Austin, TX Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Small program | $60,641 | 4 | 45% | $22,534 | $38,138 |
| 25 | John Brown University Siloam Springs, AR Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Small program | $58,390 | 2 | 72% | $20,325 | $26,566 |
Specializations within Business/Commerce
1 of the 1 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 52.01 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
Offered across 53 states & territories
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 11-1021, General and Operations Managers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Business/Commerce program can pursue a variety of careers in business management and related fields. The job outlook for this sector is promising, with an expected growth rate of 4.4% and approximately 308,700 annual openings. The median wage for positions in this field is $102,950, typically requiring a bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Business/Commerce
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 52.01.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 52.01 (Business/Commerce, General) maps to 17 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 11-1011 | Chief Executives |
| 11-1021 | General and Operations Managersprimary |
| 11-2022 | Sales Managers |
| 11-3012 | Administrative Services Managers |
| 11-3013 | Facilities Managers |
| 11-3051 | Industrial Production Managers |
| 11-3071 | Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers |
| 11-9021 | Construction Managers |
| 11-9072 | Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling |
| 11-9151 | Social and Community Service Managers |
| 11-9179 | Personal Service Managers, All Other |
| 11-9199 | Managers, All Other |
| 13-1051 | Cost Estimators |
| 13-1082 | Project Management Specialists |
| 13-1111 | Management Analysts |
| 13-2022 | Appraisers of Personal and Business Property |
| 25-1011 | Business Teachers, Postsecondary |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Business/Commerce programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Review financial statements, sales or activity reports, or other performance data to measure productivity or goal achievement or to identify areas needing cost reduction or program improvement.
- Direct and coordinate activities of businesses or departments concerned with the production, pricing, sales, or distribution of products.
- Direct administrative activities directly related to making products or providing services.
- Prepare staff work schedules and assign specific duties.
- Direct or coordinate financial or budget activities to fund operations, maximize investments, or increase efficiency.
- Plan or direct activities, such as sales promotions, that require coordination with other department managers.
Common questions
What is the focus of the Business/Commerce program?+
The program focuses on business management, marketing, and related services.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, communication, and financial analysis.
What is the job outlook for Business/Commerce graduates?+
The job outlook shows a growth rate of 4.4% with about 308,700 annual openings.
What level of education is typically required?+
A bachelor's degree is typically required for careers in this field.
How much do Business/Commerce graduates earn?+
Business/Commerce graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $43,757, College Scorecard (2019); the General and Operations Managers occupation pays about $134,940 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Business/Commerce?+
Business/Commerce maps to CIP 52.01 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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