Business/Commerce at Everett Community College

This business associate's degree appears positioned to deliver solid value, though peer program data suggests patience may be required. Based on comparable business programs nationally, first-year earnings around $36,600 paired with estimated debt of $11,500 creates a manageable 0.31 debt-to-earnings ratio—meaning graduates would owe roughly four months of their first year's salary. That's a reasonable starting point for an associate's degree that costs significantly less than a bachelor's.

The more compelling figure is the four-year earnings of $64,089, which is actual reported data for this program. That near-doubling of income suggests either strong career progression for graduates or that many students use this associate's as a stepping stone to further education. Similar business programs across Washington's community colleges show first-year earnings in the $40,000-$41,000 range, so if this program follows that pattern rather than the national estimate, the value proposition improves further.

For parents weighing this investment, the estimated $11,500 debt sits below the national benchmark and positions graduates to pay down loans relatively quickly once their earnings accelerate. The key uncertainty is whether your student will follow the trajectory that leads to those mid-$60,000 earnings by year four—that outcome likely depends on their next steps after the associate's, whether that's immediate work in business roles or transfer to complete a bachelor's degree.