Business Administration, Management and Operations at Delaware Technical Community College-Terry

Delaware Tech-Terry's business management program delivers something increasingly rare: above-average earnings at a manageable debt level. With first-year earnings of nearly $40,000, graduates earn about $6,000 more than the typical associate's business program nationally—performance that lands in the 75th percentile. The debt load of $13,275 is reasonable, requiring roughly four months of gross income to cover, which puts this firmly in affordable territory.

The challenge here is stagnation rather than struggle. Earnings barely budge over the first four years after graduation, growing just 3% to about $41,000. That's not necessarily a dealbreaker—many business associate's graduates are already working and use the degree to formalize skills or secure promotions within their current companies. But it does suggest limited upward mobility for those expecting their degree to unlock significantly higher wages over time. Among Delaware's limited pool of business programs, this one ranks in the middle of the pack at the 60th percentile.

For families concerned about educational ROI, this program makes financial sense: manageable debt, solid starting pay, and accessibility for students from moderate-income backgrounds. Just understand you're likely paying for stability and immediate employability rather than dramatic career acceleration.