Business Administration, Management and Operations at Community College of Rhode Island

Community College of Rhode Island graduates leave with less than half the typical debt burden for this program—$7,756 versus the national median of nearly $14,000—while earning slightly above the national median. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.21 means students owe roughly 2.5 months of their first-year salary, among the lowest burdens in the country for business associate degrees. For a community college serving a substantial population of Pell recipients (43%), this represents genuinely accessible workforce preparation.

The earnings trajectory tells a straightforward story: graduates start at $36,468 and reach nearly $40,000 within four years. While this won't lead to six-figure salaries, it positions graduates at the 61st percentile nationally—solidly above average for associate-level business programs. The fact that Rhode Island's median for this program matches CCRI's numbers suggests this reflects realistic state market conditions rather than institutional underperformance.

For families looking at an affordable credential that leads to immediate employment, this program does exactly what it promises. Your child graduates with manageable debt and earnings that cover living expenses while keeping doors open for further education. It's not glamorous, but with over 100 graduates tracked in these numbers, it's proven and predictable.