Business Administration, Management and Operations at Centralia College

A debt burden of roughly $16,000 for an associate's degree that leads to estimated first-year earnings around $35,000 creates a manageable, if unexciting, financial foundation. Similar business programs in Washington suggest this credential typically delivers income right at the state median, putting graduates squarely in the middle of the pack—not among the standouts like Columbia Basin College ($42,000+), but well ahead of programs where earnings barely crack $20,000.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 means borrowers would owe less than half their annual salary, which falls into the "workable" category for repayment. At these income levels, federal loan payments would likely run $150-180 monthly on a standard plan—challenging on an entry-level salary but not catastrophic. The reality is that business associate's degrees serve as stepping stones more than destinations, so what matters is whether your student plans to work while continuing education or needs immediate earnings to justify stopping at two years.

The honest takeaway: This program appears to deliver what most community college business degrees deliver—modest debt for modest earnings. Without knowing actual outcomes from Centralia specifically, you're betting on alignment with typical Washington programs. If your student needs a low-cost credential to enter the workforce or build toward a bachelor's, the estimated numbers suggest reasonable value. If they're hoping this two-year degree alone will launch a thriving career, comparable programs indicate they'll be starting from a middle-of-the-road position.