Business Administration, Management and Operations at Bellevue College

In Washington, business administration associate's programs show dramatic variation—from over $42,000 in first-year earnings at Columbia Basin College down to just over $20,000 at Tacoma Community College. Based on comparable programs in the state, Bellevue College graduates likely start around $35,000, which puts them squarely in the middle of this range and tracks closely with the state median.

The estimated debt of $16,000 creates a manageable ratio of 0.46—meaning debt equals roughly half a year's starting salary. By year four, when earnings climb to $45,000, that debt burden looks even more reasonable. This trajectory suggests the credential does its job of opening doors to better-paying work, though the starting salary won't feel impressive in Bellevue's expensive housing market.

The challenge here is that we're working with estimates based on peer programs rather than this school's actual graduate outcomes. That means the real picture could be better or worse. For parents weighing this investment, the key question is whether a middle-of-the-pack business associate's degree provides enough practical skills and employer connections to justify two years of study. The low Pell grant percentage suggests this school serves a relatively affluent student base, which may indicate strong career services or alumni networks—but that's speculation until you talk to current students and recent graduates about their actual job placement experiences.