Business Operations Support and Assistant Services at American Institute-Clifton

With $8,541 in debt leading to $22,347 in first-year earnings, American Institute-Clifton's business operations certificate delivers an affordable entry point into office work. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 means graduates owe roughly five months of their annual salary—manageable territory that beats many lengthier degree programs. However, these earnings fall about $2,700 below the national median for similar certificates, landing this program in the 34th percentile nationally.

The New Jersey context tells a more nuanced story. This program actually sits at the 60th percentile among Garden State business operations certificates, where earnings across the board run lower than national averages. All three American Institute locations report identical numbers ($22,347 in earnings, $8,541 in debt), suggesting this represents the typical outcome across their network. With 85% of students receiving Pell grants, the school clearly serves a population for whom minimizing debt matters enormously.

The real question is whether $22,347 provides enough runway. That's roughly $11 per hour full-time—enough to start building experience but tight for someone living independently in northern New Jersey. For students who need credentials quickly and can't afford a longer program, the modest debt makes this a low-risk option. But families should understand this is an entry-level stepping stone, not a path to immediate financial independence.