Business/Commerce at College of Southern Maryland

With just $5,500 in debt—less than half the state median and well below the national average of $13,437—this program delivers exceptional affordability. Similar business associate's programs in Maryland suggest first-year earnings around $36,801, rising to a solid $51,737 by year four. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.15 means graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in less than two months of work, though the real value shows up in what they're not carrying: the financial burden that hobbles graduates from pricier alternatives.

The earnings trajectory here matters more than the starting point. While peer programs in Maryland range from $29,000 to over $44,000 in first-year outcomes, the four-year figure of $51,737 suggests decent momentum. This isn't a credential that commands top dollar immediately, but it provides a foundation without the debt trap that makes career pivots or further education financially risky.

For families watching their budget, the comparison is straightforward: you're looking at roughly $8,000 less debt than the typical Maryland business associate's program and $8,000 less than the national figure. Whether your child lands at the lower or higher end of what comparable Maryland programs produce, they'll have financial flexibility that matters more in the long run than a few thousand dollars in additional first-year salary.