Business Administration at Shepherd University

Shepherdstown, WV · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Business Administration, Management and Operations
63 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
64
Optimistic
63
Base Case
58
Pessimistic
Earnings $41,766/yr (-11% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (1,753,300 openings/yr)
ROI 15.0x earnings multiple (6.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #528 of 1,169 Business Administration programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Business Administration graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $522K $520K $482K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.1x 15.0x 13.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.8x 6.8x 6.3x
Probability of Field Employment 47% 43% 32%
DegreeOutlook Score 64 63 58

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$34,568
Out-of-state: $76,328 (6.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$49,564
-43% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,677
5.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$53,057
27% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $41,766 track close to the $46,892 national median for Business Administration programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 15.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Business Administration career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $17,677 in median debt against $41,766 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #528 ranking among 1,169 Business Administration programs places Shepherd University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 27% earnings increase from $41,766 to $53,057 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Shepherd University

Shepherd University has a 96% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a compact campus enrolling 2,375 students in Shepherdstown, WV.

See all programs and financial aid at Shepherd University →

Top Career Paths

Chief executives $206,420/yr
Computer and information systems managers $171,200/yr
Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr
View all 42 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

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Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 63/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Business Administration at Shepherd University?
At 63/100, Shepherd University's Business Administration program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Business Administration at Shepherd University?
The 47% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →