Business/Commerce at Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs

A degree that costs more than twice the typical national debt load demands careful scrutiny. Based on comparable programs nationwide, this Associate's degree comes with an estimated $32,810 in debt—significantly above the national median of $13,437 for business programs at this level. That's a substantial financial burden for a two-year credential, especially when first-year earnings projections suggest around $36,600, putting the debt-to-earnings ratio at 0.90.

The earnings trajectory raises additional questions. While similar programs nationally show first-year earnings around $36,600, this program's actual four-year graduate data shows earnings of $34,759—lower than the starting point. This backward movement is unusual and suggests graduates may struggle to gain salary traction in their early careers. With 68% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are already financially stretched and particularly vulnerable to taking on debt that may not pay off quickly.

The fundamental issue is value: you're looking at debt levels closer to what bachelor's degree holders typically carry, but with Associate's-level earning potential. Unless your child has substantial work experience that will command higher starting pay, or a clear employer pathway that values this specific credential, the numbers suggest exploring lower-cost options. Community colleges in Colorado might offer business programs with drastically lower debt loads and similar earning potential.