Business Administrationat Philander Smith University
Graduates earn $27,413/yr in their first year — about 42.0% below the national Business Administration average. Base-case 10-year earnings $477K; scenarios range from $451K to $476K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Philander Smith University
The financial data here reflects the realities of a broad Business Administration degree from a regional private institution. Many graduates from this program likely find initial employment within the Little Rock economy, often in general administrative, operational support, or entry-level management roles at local businesses, non-profits, or government agencies. While the degree provides a versatile foundation, the local labor market for these positions may not command salaries seen in larger, more competitive urban centers, leading to the reported earnings. The high AI risk associated with this major also highlights the increasing automation of foundational administrative tasks. To maximize your career trajectory, actively seek internships that provide specialized, hands-on experience in growing sectors within Arkansas, and consider supplementing your degree with certifications in areas like project management or data analytics to target higher-value, less automatable roles.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Philander Smith University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Business Administration
How Philander Smith University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Business Administration offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Business Administration trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Business Administration at Philander Smith University
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Business Administration at Philander Smith University?
A score of 39/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Business Administration. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Business Administration careers?
With 47% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $450,803 in decade earnings vs $476,073 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Business Administration from Philander Smith University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.