Business Administration, Management and Operations at Eastern Gateway Community College

The striking first-year earnings of $43,334 initially suggest Eastern Gateway's business program delivers exceptional value—it ranks in the 90th percentile nationally and beats Ohio's median by $6,000. But that dramatic collapse to $17,011 by year four demands scrutiny. This pattern likely reflects the realities of community college students who are already working while in school; they may earn solid wages in their existing jobs initially, then face career disruptions, job changes, or shift to part-time work that significantly reduces income. With a moderate sample size, a few graduates experiencing major life changes could skew the four-year number substantially.

The debt load of $12,785 is reasonable—lower than both national and Ohio medians—which means graduates aren't locked into financial obligations during this apparent transition period. At 60th percentile among Ohio programs, Eastern Gateway sits comfortably in the middle tier statewide, behind schools like Sinclair and Cincinnati State but still competitive. For students who need a flexible, affordable pathway into business administration while working, this program offers a low-risk entry point.

The key question is sustainability: if most graduates experience this income dip as a temporary phase before stabilizing or advancing their careers, the initial strong earnings and low debt make this worthwhile. If the decline reflects a structural problem with credential value, that's concerning. Given the modest debt, parents should view this as an acceptable gamble for students already in the workforce who need credentials to advance, but less appealing for traditional students expecting steady income growth.