Business Administration at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Business Administration, Management and Operations
74 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
75
Optimistic
74
Base Case
68
Pessimistic
Earnings $60,678/yr (29% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (1,753,300 openings/yr)
ROI 10.3x earnings multiple (4.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #129 of 1,169 Business Administration programs Top 25%

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 $651K $638K $568K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.5x 10.3x 9.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.4x 4.3x 3.9x
Probability of Field Employment 47% 43% 32%
DegreeOutlook Score 75 74 68

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$61,912
Out-of-state: $146,776 (4.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$95,160
-54% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,017
4.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$78,729
30% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $60,678 per year, Business Administration graduates from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University significantly outpace the $46,892 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

With a 10.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 13% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Business Administration career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $22,017 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University ranks #129 among 1,169 Business Administration programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 30% earnings increase from $60,678 to $78,729 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University accepts 57% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, one of the larger campuses at 30,435 students in Blacksburg, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State 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

Business Administration at Other Schools

Other Majors at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 74/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Business Administration at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University?
At 74/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Should I worry about AI if I study Business Administration at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State 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.
Is Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University one of the best schools for Business Administration?
Among 1,169 Business Administration programs, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University's #129 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →