Business Administration, Management and Operations at Crowder College

Crowder College's business associate's program delivers exceptional debt management but troublingly low earnings. At $7,925, graduates carry less than half the typical student debt for this degree—both nationally and within Missouri. That's a genuine bright spot that matters for families watching every dollar.

The earnings picture, however, demands attention. Starting at $25,875 and growing to just $28,958 after four years, graduates earn roughly $7,000 less annually than the typical Missouri business associate's degree holder and lag even further behind the national median of $33,977. Among Missouri's 20 business programs, this ranks in just the 25th percentile—meaning three-quarters of alternatives produce better outcomes. For perspective, Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City graduates earn $38,554, while Ozarks Technical produces a $34,644 median. Even with the low debt load, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31 reflects earnings that simply don't provide much cushion.

The modest 12% earnings growth over four years suggests these positions may have limited advancement potential. While the minimal debt reduces financial risk, families should recognize this likely means starting in entry-level roles with constrained upward mobility. If your child is committed to staying in the Neosho area and needs an affordable option, the low debt keeps doors open. But if other Missouri community colleges are accessible, the earnings data suggests they offer substantially better returns for similar investments.