Business/Commerce at Ferris State University

Based on comparable Michigan business programs, this associate's degree appears to deliver the typical earnings for the state—around $37,500 in the first year—while keeping debt substantially below average. Where Michigan's median business associate carries roughly $20,800 in debt, peer institutions like Ferris suggest something closer to $10,300, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27 that's quite manageable for a two-year credential.

The challenge is that these figures tell us what similar programs produce, not what Ferris State's specific business graduates experience. The school enrolls a substantial number of Pell-eligible students (34%), and its relatively open admissions suggest it serves a broad student population. Whether this particular program delivers on the state median earnings—or falls short like some Michigan programs that report around $34,000—matters significantly when you're borrowing over $10,000.

For parents, the key question is whether this estimated outcome justifies the investment when you won't know the actual track record until your child is already enrolled. The debt load appears reasonable, but if you can find a Michigan community college with transparent, reported outcomes in business—even if the numbers are similar—that removes meaningful uncertainty from a decision that will affect your family's finances for years.