Business Administration, Management and Operations at College of Southern Nevada

College of Southern Nevada's business management program delivers exactly what community college is supposed to: solid earnings with minimal debt burden. At $9,000 in typical student debt against nearly $40,000 in first-year earnings, graduates face a debt load that's manageable by any standard—less than a quarter of their starting salary and well below the national average for this degree.

The earnings trajectory tells an encouraging story. Starting salaries land in the 74th percentile nationally for associate's-level business programs, and graduates see their income climb 16% by year four, reaching nearly $46,000. In Nevada's limited field of business associate's programs, this performs right at the state median, though with only four programs statewide, direct comparisons are limited. What matters more is how these numbers stack up practically: they're strong enough to support independent living in Las Vegas while keeping debt payments easily manageable.

For families questioning whether a two-year business degree pays off, this program offers clear evidence it can. The combination of below-average debt and above-average earnings creates breathing room early in a graduate's career—critical for someone establishing themselves in the workforce. This is particularly relevant given that 30% of students here receive Pell grants, suggesting the program successfully serves as an economic ladder for students who need it most.