Business/Commerce (Associate's Degree) at Bowling Green State University-Main Campus

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$38,871

Est. from OH median (9 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$20,565

Est. from OH median (6 programs)

Analysis

A debt load over $20,000 for an associate's degree raises immediate questions about return on investment. Similar business programs at Ohio public institutions suggest first-year earnings around $38,871, while the estimated debt here exceeds $20,500—putting graduates roughly half a year's salary in the hole before they start. That's notably higher than the national median debt of $13,437 for this credential, though the earnings projection does track slightly above the national figure.

The comparison to Ohio peers tells an important story. James A. Rhodes State College reports actual first-year earnings of $45,238 for its business associate's graduates—$6,300 more than the state median Bowling Green's program tracks against. Meanwhile, several Kent State regional campuses produce similar outcomes but likely at different price points. For a two-year degree where cost control should be paramount, borrowing above the national norm while earning at the state average creates a tighter financial squeeze than necessary.

For parents weighing this option, the fundamental question is why pay university prices for an associate's degree when community colleges across Ohio deliver comparable or better outcomes with lower debt. Unless Bowling Green offers specific resources or connections that justify the premium—transfer pathways to their bachelor's programs, perhaps—this estimated debt-to-earnings picture suggests exploring more affordable alternatives for business training at this credential level.

Where Bowling Green State University-Main Campus Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce associates's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Business/Commerce associates's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (31 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Bowling Green State University-Main CampusBowling Green	$14,081	$38,871*	—	$20,565*	—
James A. Rhodes State CollegeLima	$4,657	$45,238*	$37,556	—*	—
Kent State University at AshtabulaAshtabula	$7,272	$38,871*	$37,721	$20,565*	0.53
Kent State University at East LiverpoolEast Liverpool	$7,272	$38,871*	$37,721	$20,565*	0.53
Kent State University at TrumbullWarren	$7,272	$38,871*	$37,721	$20,565*	0.53
Kent State University at SalemSalem	$7,272	$38,871*	$37,721	$20,565*	0.53
National Median	—	$36,591*	—	$13,437*	0.37

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates

Sales Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.

$138,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Industrial Production Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the work activities and resources necessary for manufacturing products in accordance with cost, quality, and quantity specifications.

$121,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Quality Control Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate quality assurance programs. Formulate quality control policies and control quality of laboratory and production efforts.

$121,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Geothermal Production Managers

Manage operations at geothermal power generation facilities. Maintain and monitor geothermal plant equipment for efficient and safe plant operations.

$121,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels Production Managers

Manage biofuels production and plant operations. Collect and process information on plant production and performance, diagnose problems, and design corrective procedures.

$121,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biomass Power Plant Managers

Manage operations at biomass power generation facilities. Direct work activities at plant, including supervision of operations and maintenance staff.

$121,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Hydroelectric Production Managers

Manage operations at hydroelectric power generation facilities. Maintain and monitor hydroelectric plant equipment for efficient and safe plant operations.

$121,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Construction Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate, usually through subordinate supervisory personnel, activities concerned with the construction and maintenance of structures, facilities, and systems. Participate in the conceptual development of a construction project and oversee its organization, scheduling, budgeting, and implementation. Includes managers in specialized construction fields, such as carpentry or plumbing.

$106,980/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Administrative Services Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate one or more administrative services of an organization, such as records and information management, mail distribution, and other office support services.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Facilities Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate operations and functionalities of facilities and buildings. May include surrounding grounds or multiple facilities of an organization's campus.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Security Managers

Direct an organization's security functions, including physical security and safety of employees and facilities.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Executives

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Bowling Green State University-Main Campus, approximately 23% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 9 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.