Business/Commerce at Brescia University

The national estimate of $36,591 in first-year earnings places this program squarely at the median for associate-level business programs nationwide—but here's the catch: other business programs in Kentucky report substantially higher outcomes. Thomas More University's business graduates, for example, earned $83,571 in their first year, more than double what peer programs nationally suggest for Brescia. The $24,509 in estimated debt (based on typical borrowing at similar private institutions) translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.67, which is manageable by standard metrics but less attractive when Kentucky's other options exist.

The wider context matters here. Brescia serves a population where 43% of students qualify for Pell grants, and its 35% admission rate suggests selectivity that could indicate strong support systems. But an associate's degree in business from comparable programs nationally doesn't command the same immediate earning power as Kentucky's reported outcomes suggest is possible. Whether that gap reflects different program structures, local employer relationships, or transfer pathways versus immediate workforce entry isn't clear from the estimates alone.

If your student plans to work immediately after graduation in the Owensboro area, investigate whether Brescia's local connections justify choosing it over programs with documented higher earnings. If the associate's degree is a stepping stone to a bachelor's, evaluate the transfer pathways carefully. The estimated numbers suggest adequate but not exceptional value—you'd want actual graduate outcomes before committing.