Business Administration, Management and Operations at Charter College

First-year earnings of $47,217 place this program slightly above the national median for business bachelor's degrees, but the debt picture raises concerns. Charter College's estimated graduation debt of $42,829—derived from similar private for-profit institutions nationally—is 65% higher than the typical $26,000 debt load for business majors nationwide and nearly $12,000 above what Alaska business graduates typically carry. That debt level paired with earnings that actually decline to $43,694 by year four creates a challenging financial picture, particularly for a program serving a majority low-income student population.

The downward earnings trajectory is the bigger red flag here. Most business graduates see steady salary growth in their early career years, but this program's alumni are earning less four years out than they did in their first year. While some Alaska programs like UAA produce graduates earning over $51,000 initially, Charter's outcomes sit in the middle of the pack statewide—decent but not strong enough to justify carrying debt that's significantly above state and national norms for this degree.

For families weighing this investment, the math is straightforward: you're looking at estimated debt equal to 91% of first-year earnings for a credential that hasn't historically led to salary growth. Given Alaska's limited alternatives—just six schools offer this degree in-state—parents should carefully compare the total cost here against University of Alaska options, which typically produce similar or better earnings with substantially lower debt loads.