Business Administration, Management and Operations at Fisher College

The $24,000 in estimated debt stands out immediately—more than double what typical Massachusetts students borrow for this associate's degree ($10,338 statewide). Based on comparable programs, first-year earnings around $37,351 would put this squarely at the state median, but that debt burden creates a different calculation than most local alternatives. Community colleges across Massachusetts routinely send business administration graduates into similar or better-paying positions with far less debt: Northern Essex grads earn $46,439, and even programs with lower outcomes still keep borrowing under $11,000.

The four-year earnings figure of $41,514 shows modest progression, but it doesn't fundamentally change the debt picture. That 0.65 debt-to-earnings ratio means nearly eight months of gross first-year income goes toward loans—manageable but not comfortable, especially when Fisher serves a population where 42% qualify for Pell grants. The earnings themselves aren't problematic; peer programs across Massachusetts suggest this salary range is standard for an associate's in business administration.

For families weighing this investment, the core question is whether Fisher's private college environment justifies borrowing twice what you'd carry at a community college for comparable career outcomes. If your child needs the smaller, more structured setting that Fisher might provide, understand you're paying a premium in debt for that experience rather than for dramatically different earning potential.