Business Administration, Management and Operations at Clark College

When comparable business programs in Washington produce first-year earnings around $35,000, the estimated debt load of $16,000 for Clark College's associate degree falls into manageable territory. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 suggests graduates would dedicate less than half of their first year's income to repaying loans—a workable starting point, though not exceptional. Programs across Washington show considerable variation, from Columbia Basin's $42,000 to Tacoma's $20,000, indicating that local job markets and employer connections matter significantly for business graduates.

The challenge here is uncertainty. These figures come from peer programs because Clark's graduate sample was too small for the Department of Education to publish. That could mean the program is relatively new, serves a niche market, or simply graduates modest cohorts. Without school-specific outcomes data, you're placing a bet that Clark's program performs like the state median rather than like the stronger or weaker programs nearby. The estimated debt is slightly above the national benchmark of $14,000 but aligns with Washington norms.

For a two-year business degree, this estimated profile suggests moderate risk. If your student plans to stay in the Vancouver-Portland area where Clark has established employer relationships, the investment could prove sound. But recognize you're making this decision with limited visibility into how this specific program's graduates actually fare in the job market.