Business/Commerce at Davenport University
Associate's Degree
Analysis
Davenport University's business associate degree commands premium tuition but delivers exceptional first-year results, placing graduates at $49,530—substantially above Michigan's median of $37,532 and ranking in the 80th percentile statewide. That's roughly $13,000 more annually than what Macomb Community College graduates earn with the same credential, which helps explain the higher price tag.
The concern is what happens next. Earnings drop 3% by year four rather than growing, which is unusual for business degrees. Meanwhile, that $31,338 debt load is significantly higher than both the state median ($20,810) and national benchmark ($13,437). At a 0.63 debt-to-earnings ratio, graduates are taking on about 50% more debt than typical for this field—though at least they're starting from a strong earning position that makes repayment manageable in the short term.
For families paying attention to Michigan community colleges, this is essentially a bet on sustained premium earnings. If your child will thrive at a more structured private institution and you're comfortable with the extra debt, that first-year salary advantage is real. But if cost is the primary driver, comparable Michigan programs offer 70-75% of these earnings at half the debt burden.
Where Davenport University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce associates's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Davenport University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Davenport University graduates earn $50k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all business/commerce associates programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Business/Commerce associates's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (19 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Davenport University | $49,530 | $48,012 | $31,338 | 0.63 |
| Macomb Community College | $37,532 | $47,984 | $10,281 | 0.27 |
| Henry Ford College | $34,003 | $39,692 | $32,406 | 0.95 |
| National Median | $36,591 | — | $13,437 | 0.37 |
Other Business/Commerce Programs in Michigan
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Michigan schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Macomb Community College Warren | $3,600 | $37,532 | $10,281 |
| Henry Ford College Dearborn | $3,460 | $34,003 | $32,406 |
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 Davenport 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.
Sample Size: Based on 47 graduates with reported earnings and 86 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.