Business Administration, Management and Operations at Dakota County Technical College

Dakota County Technical College's Business Administration program punches well above its weight nationally, placing graduates in the 95th percentile for earnings—$45,143 in the first year compared to a national median of just $34,000. That's a substantial premium. However, within Minnesota's competitive community college landscape, this program sits right at the middle of the pack in the 60th percentile, trailing schools like North Hennepin and Rasmussen by a few thousand dollars annually.

The debt picture looks reasonable at $18,649, which translates to a manageable 0.41 ratio to first-year earnings. Graduates see solid 17% earnings growth by year four, reaching nearly $53,000. That trajectory suggests the degree opens doors to positions with real advancement potential, not just entry-level dead ends.

The major caveat here: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so your child's experience could differ significantly. That said, for an associate's degree requiring roughly two years and $18,000 in debt, getting to $45,000+ earnings puts graduates in position to pay down loans quickly while building career momentum. If your child wants business credentials without committing to a four-year program, this represents a solid Minnesota option—just understand they're getting a strong degree by national standards, not necessarily a standout within the state.