Business Administration, Management and Operations at Davidson-Davie Community College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
davidsondavie.eduAnalysis
Davidson-Davie's Business Administration certificate puts students in a tight spot financially: graduates earn just over $33,000 while carrying $27,000 in debt—nearly a full year's salary. While the program ranks at the 60th percentile among North Carolina business certificates, that's misleading context. The real comparison is debt load: students here borrow almost twice the national median ($27K vs. $15K) and 60% more than the typical NC program. Nearby community colleges like South Piedmont and Guilford Tech deliver graduates earning $40,000+ with similar or lower debt burdens.
The math is straightforward. At $33,263 annually, graduates will struggle to manage this debt load alongside living expenses. The 0.82 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests repayment will consume a significant portion of early-career income—particularly concerning for a certificate program that should provide quick workforce entry with minimal debt. For comparison, the top NC programs generate 20-30% higher earnings with comparable or better debt profiles.
For a business certificate, your child would be better served exploring other North Carolina community colleges. The combination of below-average earnings and above-average debt creates financial friction that undermines the value of quick credentialing. Programs at South Piedmont or Guilford Tech offer clearer paths to positive returns.
Where Davidson-Davie Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Davidson-Davie Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina
Business Administration, Management and Operations certificate's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (61 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Davidson-Davie Community CollegeThomasville | $1,978 | $33,263 | — | $27,218 | 0.82 |
 South Piedmont Community CollegePolkton | $2,022 | $40,686 | — | — | — |
 Guilford Technical Community CollegeJamestown | $2,319 | $40,215 | $28,685 | $21,719 | 0.54 |
 Fayetteville Technical Community CollegeFayetteville | $2,628 | $35,845 | $29,085 | $14,699 | 0.41 |
 Wake Technical Community CollegeRaleigh | $2,336 | $35,574 | $38,072 | $19,000 | 0.53 |
 Pitt Community CollegeWinterville | $1,972 | $35,485 | — | $21,625 | 0.61 |
| National Median | — | $39,085 | — | $14,699 | 0.38 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business administration, management and operations graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Human Resources Managers
Sales Managers
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 Davidson-Davie Community College, 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 154 graduates with reported earnings and 159 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.