Business Administration: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries

Salaries for Business Administration graduates vary by role and location. Chief Executives earn a median of $206,420 annually, while Sales Managers earn around $138,060. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $137,250 compared to $84,221 in Mississippi. Approximately 8,665,950 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.

Currently 815 accredited institutions offer Business Administration degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Indiana University (IUB), Bloomington (3,530 graduates), DeVry University, Illinois (1,275 graduates), and Northeastern University (NU) (1,146 graduates).

Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.

Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 55,967 in 2010 to 57,976 in 2023-24. This represents a 4% increase overall from 2010.

The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.

This degree prepares you for roles such as Chief Executives, Sales Managers, and Managers, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 8,665,950 professionals nationwide.

Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.