Make it stand out
Business
Overview
Business degrees offer consistently strong starting salaries, generally higher than those in the humanities and social sciences and competitive with many STEM fields. Most graduates enter the workforce earning between $57,000 and $66,000, with more analytical and technical specializations — such as finance, actuarial science, and management information systems — sitting at the top of the range. This variation reflects the diverse career paths within business, from people-focused roles like human resources and marketing to data-driven positions in finance and operations. Overall, business majors provide a balanced mix of earning potential, versatility, and upward mobility, making them a popular choice for students seeking both immediate job opportunities and strong long-term career prospects.
ROI
Business degrees generally offer a strong return on investment, especially when considering their combination of solid starting salaries, career advancement opportunities, and versatility across industries. With most graduates beginning their careers in the $57,000 to $66,000 range, many are able to recover their educational costs in about 5 to 7 years — often faster than graduates in the humanities or social sciences. Mid-career earnings frequently climb to $90,000 to $120,000, and those who move into leadership, consulting, or finance roles can surpass $150,000. Because business skills are broadly applicable and in constant demand, graduates also benefit from a wide range of career options and job stability. While ROI can vary depending on specialization and industry, business degrees consistently provide a strong balance of affordability, financial return, and long-term upward mobility.
Schooling
For business majors, the school you attend can have a significant impact on your career outcomes, especially early on. Graduates from highly ranked business programs often benefit from stronger recruiting pipelines, access to top internships, and well-established alumni networks, all of which can lead to higher starting salaries and faster advancement. This is particularly true in competitive fields like finance, consulting, and management, where many employers actively target graduates from prestigious schools. However, because business skills are broadly applicable and in high demand, it’s still possible to build a successful and lucrative career from a more affordable program — especially if you gain relevant experience, develop strong networking skills, and pursue internships strategically. Ultimately, the added cost of a top-tier business school can pay off in terms of opportunities and earnings potential, but it should be weighed against your financial situation and career goals.