Business Administration, Management and Operations at Durham Technical Community College

Based on comparable associate's business programs in North Carolina, graduates here face estimated debt of $21,232—significantly higher than the $13,980 national median for this degree. That burden, paired with projected first-year earnings around $35,246, creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.60. While that's manageable compared to programs where borrowers owe an entire year's salary, the debt load here exceeds what similar programs nationally typically require, which should factor into your financing strategy.

The earnings estimate aligns with North Carolina's state median for business associate's degrees, but several nearby community colleges with reported data show graduates earning $38,000-$41,000 in their first year. That $3,000-$6,000 difference matters when you're making loan payments. Since Durham Tech's figures are derived from peer programs rather than actual tracked outcomes, it's worth investigating whether their specific employer connections and job placement support justify choosing them over schools with stronger documented results.

For a two-year degree, business administration remains one of the more practical pathways—if you can minimize borrowing. The 31% Pell grant population suggests Durham Tech serves students who may have fewer financial cushions, making that above-average debt level more consequential. If you can reduce the estimated $21,000 through grants, work-study, or part-time enrollment, the fundamentals work. But at full estimated borrowing, you'd be starting a business career with a heavier load than most peers nationwide carry.