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
Earnings Distribution
How Davenport University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Davenport University | $49,530 | $48,012 | -3% |
| Thomas More University | $83,571 | $68,202 | -18% |
| Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion | $49,463 | $54,966 | +11% |
| Macomb Community College | $37,532 | $47,984 | +28% |
| Henry Ford College | $34,003 | $39,692 | +17% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Business/Commerce associates's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (19 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Davenport UniversityGrand Rapids | $23,324 | $49,530 | $48,012 | $31,338 | 0.63 |
 Macomb Community CollegeWarren | $3,600 | $37,532 | $47,984 | $10,281 | 0.27 |
 Henry Ford CollegeDearborn | $3,460 | $34,003 | $39,692 | $32,406 | 0.95 |
| National Median | — | $36,591 | — | $13,437 | 0.37 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates
Sales Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Construction Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Chief Executives
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.