Business/Commerce at Davis & Elkins College

Based on similar business programs across West Virginia, this associate's degree points to first-year earnings around $35,272—right at the state median but nearly $1,300 below the national benchmark of $36,591. The estimated $24,509 in debt is more concerning: it's 58% higher than the national median for business associate's programs and significantly above West Virginia's typical $15,500. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69 means you'd be borrowing nearly 70% of what graduates earn in their first year, a heavier burden than most comparable programs require.

The context matters here. West Virginia business associate's programs show enormous variation—top performers like Strayer and American Public produce first-year earnings above $44,000, while community colleges cluster in the mid-$20,000s. Davis & Elkins sits in the middle on earnings but carries debt levels more typical of bachelor's programs. For a two-year credential, that's a tough financial proposition when lower-debt alternatives exist in-state.

If your child is set on Davis & Elkins specifically, focus intensely on minimizing borrowing—grants, scholarships, work-study, anything to drive that debt figure down. Otherwise, exploring West Virginia's community college options or targeting schools with proven track records in business placement might deliver similar career outcomes without the financial weight. The uncertainty in these estimates adds another layer: you're making a significant financial commitment without clear visibility into this specific program's actual results.