Business/Commerce at Bristol Community College

Bristol Community College's business program delivers strong debt protection but trails most Massachusetts competitors on earnings. At $7,480, graduates leave with remarkably little debt—better than 95% of similar programs nationally and about 20% below the state median. The concern is that starting salaries of $35,815 lag the Massachusetts median by roughly $3,400, putting this program in the bottom half of Bay State community college business programs.

The gap widens when you compare to top performers in the state. Mount Wachusett and Quinsigamond graduates earn $7,000+ more annually in similar fields, which compounds to substantial differences over a career. Even accounting for the low debt load, you're looking at a debt-to-earnings ratio that's healthy (0.21) but paired with earnings that simply aren't keeping pace with what other Massachusetts community colleges achieve. Earnings do grow 10% by year four, reaching $39,349, which closes the gap slightly but doesn't eliminate it.

For families prioritizing minimal debt—particularly important given that 43% of students receive Pell grants—this program accomplishes that goal effectively. But if your student can access one of the stronger-performing Massachusetts community colleges, the earnings difference likely justifies any modest increase in debt. The math is straightforward: even $2,000 more in loans would be offset quickly by earning an extra $7,000 annually.