Business Administration, Management and Operations at Centura College-Chesapeake

This program delivers earnings well below what Virginia students typically achieve in similar business programs. At $27,056 in the first year, graduates earn about $6,600 less than the state median and rank in just the 25th percentile among Virginia's business associate programs. The comparison to nearby options is stark: Virginia Peninsula Community College graduates in the same program earn $42,039—nearly 60% more. With $23,000 in debt, students here also face significantly higher borrowing than Virginia's $11,950 median for this degree.

The concerning part isn't just the starting salary—it's that earnings actually decline to $26,282 by year four, suggesting limited advancement opportunities. This debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.85 means graduates owe nearly a full year's salary, which becomes particularly challenging when paired with stagnant or declining income. The school serves a predominantly low-income population (84% Pell recipients), making the higher debt burden especially consequential.

For families considering this program, the math is difficult to justify. Virginia's community college system offers multiple business programs where graduates earn $10,000-$15,000 more annually with roughly half the debt. Unless location constraints make this the only accessible option, parents should strongly consider these alternatives that provide substantially better economic outcomes for the same credential.