Business/Commerce at Community College of Baltimore County

Community College of Baltimore County's Business/Commerce associate's degree sits right in the middle of Maryland's offerings—matching the state median for earnings while carrying notably higher debt than typical in-state alternatives. First-year graduates earn $36,801, climbing to $44,670 by year four, which beats the national median and places this program in the 60th percentile statewide. That 21% earnings growth suggests the degree helps graduates build momentum in their careers.

The concern here is the $17,499 debt load, which exceeds both the state median ($11,294) and national median ($13,437) for similar programs. While the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48 remains manageable—graduates should pay this off within a few years—it's worth noting that nearby Hagerstown Community College delivers higher earnings ($41,970) and Frederick Community College offers comparable outcomes, likely with less debt given state patterns. For families focused on minimizing borrowing, this warrants a close look at actual aid packages.

The program works as a practical workforce credential that pays off reasonably well, particularly for the third of students receiving Pell grants who need an affordable path to business careers. Just ensure the debt doesn't creep higher than these medians suggest—living expenses and loan choices matter enormously at this level.