Business Administration, Management and Operations (Associate's Degree) at Cornerstone University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$34,837

Est. from MI median (14 programs)

Median Debt

$28,200

102% above national median

Analysis

Comparable business programs in Michigan suggest first-year earnings around $34,800, but Cornerstone's estimated debt load of $28,200 is twice what graduates typically carry at other schools in the state. While the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.81 looks manageable on paper, this program sits in the 9th percentile nationally for debt—meaning 91% of business associate's programs nationwide graduate students with less borrowing.

The math reveals the core issue: peer programs in Michigan produce similar earnings outcomes but with median debt around $14,000. Students at Grand Rapids Community College—just down the road—earn an estimated $41,700 with comparable credentials, while multiple Michigan community colleges report outcomes in the $40,000+ range. When an associate's degree requires $28,200 in borrowing for estimated earnings that barely exceed the state median, the value proposition weakens considerably.

For families considering this path, the clearest alternative is exploring Michigan's community college system, where reported outcomes consistently show higher earnings with half the debt burden. If Cornerstone offers unique value through its Christian mission or specific connections, families should request concrete placement data and employer relationships that might justify the additional $14,000 in borrowing beyond what similar programs require.

Where Cornerstone University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations associates's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan

Business Administration, Management and Operations associates's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (43 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Cornerstone UniversityGrand Rapids	$29,100	$34,837*	—	$28,200	—
Macomb Community CollegeWarren	$3,600	$43,491*	$46,862	$9,500	0.22
Lansing Community CollegeLansing	$4,010	$43,026*	$37,632	$17,248	0.40
Grand Rapids Community CollegeGrand Rapids	$4,059	$41,712*	$38,923	$13,925	0.33
Washtenaw Community CollegeAnn Arbor	$2,736	$41,152*	$43,361	$19,691	0.48
Baker CollegeOwosso	$12,810	$40,585*	$40,078	$23,937	0.59
National Median	—	$33,977*	—	$13,980	0.41

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with business administration, management and operations graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Water Resource Specialists

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Compensation and Benefits Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.

$140,360/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Human Resources Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.

$140,030/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Sales Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.

$138,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Cornerstone University, approximately 30% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 14 similar programs in MI. Actual outcomes may vary.