Business Administration, Management and Operations at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College

Elizabethtown Community and Technical College graduates earn $39,002 in their first year—putting them ahead of about 70% of business administration associate programs nationwide and above the Kentucky median of $35,788. That's the good news. The concerning trend is that earnings drop to $35,513 by year four, a 9% decline that suggests many graduates may be finding entry-level work that doesn't lead to advancement. While this "reverse growth" pattern isn't unique to Elizabethtown, it raises questions about whether the degree provides a foundation for long-term career progression.

The debt burden here is manageable but not exceptional. At $16,255, it matches the Kentucky median and sits below the national 50th percentile, meaning half of similar programs elsewhere leave students with less debt. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 is reasonable—graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in under six months of gross income—but that calculation becomes trickier as earnings decline over time.

For Kentucky families, this program performs solidly but not spectacularly. Gateway Community and Technical College's business program delivers first-year earnings $4,600 higher with comparable debt, while Bluegrass and Jefferson also offer stronger outcomes. If your child is committed to staying in Elizabethtown, this program won't sink them financially, but the earnings trajectory suggests they'll need to be proactive about finding employers that reward experience rather than just credentialism.