Business/Commerce at Defiance College

A debt load of roughly $25,000 for an associate's degree in business is notably high—nearly double the national median for this program and about $4,000 above what similar programs in Ohio typically produce. When peer programs across the state suggest first-year earnings around $38,900, that debt burden translates to a 0.63 ratio, meaning graduates would owe about eight months' salary. That's manageable compared to many bachelor's programs, but it's steep for a two-year credential that, at other Ohio schools, often comes with $20,500 or less in debt.

The earnings picture itself isn't alarming—Ohio business associate's programs cluster around this $39,000 mark, and that's slightly above the national median of $36,600. Some Ohio community colleges report graduates earning into the mid-$40,000s, but most hover in this range. The issue is whether Defiance College's estimated debt premium buys anything distinctive beyond what public alternatives offer. With 48% of students receiving Pell grants, affordability matters significantly to the student body.

The practical question: Can your family afford an extra $4,000-$5,000 in loans compared to typical Ohio business programs without clear evidence of better outcomes? If Defiance offers specific advantages—smaller classes, stronger employer connections, or a location that makes commuting feasible—those could justify the cost. Otherwise, this estimated debt load suggests exploring Ohio's community colleges, where similar business credentials typically come with substantially less borrowing.