Business/Commerce at Edmonds College

Starting with $11,875 in debt for an associate's degree puts Edmonds College below both the state median ($11,500) and national median ($13,437) for business programs—a manageable number by any standard. The challenge is that first-year earnings appear modest based on national patterns for similar programs, at an estimated $36,591, though by year four graduates reach $52,799, which suggests solid mid-term growth potential.

Washington's business associate's programs typically produce stronger first-year outcomes than the national average, with state peers like Tacoma Community College and Clark College reporting graduates earning around $40,000-$41,000 initially. If Edmonds follows a similar trajectory, the debt burden becomes even more reasonable. The four-year earnings figure of $52,799 is actual reported data for this program, indicating that graduates who stay in the workforce see meaningful salary progression.

The practical takeaway: the debt load won't be crushing regardless of where first-year earnings land, but the lack of reported initial earnings data means you're making this decision with less visibility than you'd have at nearby alternatives with published outcomes. The four-year number suggests the program delivers value over time, but confirming what graduates actually earn in year one would strengthen the case considerably.