Est. Earnings (1yr)
$36,591
Est. from national median (124 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$11,000
Est. from national median (103 programs)

Analysis

A 0.30 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests a manageable financial foundation, though it's worth noting these figures come from national peer institutions rather than Fort Hays Tech North Central's specific outcomes. The estimated $11,000 debt sits below both the national median of $13,437 for associate's in business and Kansas's state median of $12,699, while projected first-year earnings of $36,591 align with typical outcomes nationwide. For a two-year technical credential, this positions graduates to potentially pay off their debt within one to two years if they commit earnings aggressively.

The business associate's degree occupies an interesting middle groundβ€”it's vocational enough to lead directly to employment but broad enough that career trajectory depends heavily on which doors it opens locally. In rural Kansas communities like Beloit, the question becomes whether local employers value this credential for supervisory, administrative, or small business roles that justify the investment. With only 20% of students receiving Pell grants, this isn't primarily serving the lowest-income families, suggesting either a working adult population or students with some family support.

The financial math works on paper based on similar programs nationally, but the absence of actual graduate data means you're betting on Fort Hays Tech North Central delivering comparable results. Before enrolling, confirm with the school what specific job placements their recent business graduates have secured and whether those employers are hiring now.

Where Fort Hays Tech North Central Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce associates's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Business/Commerce associates's programs at top institutions nationally

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Fort Hays Tech North CentralBeloit$7,208$36,591*β€”$11,000*β€”
Thomas More UniversityCrestview Hills$38,400$83,571*$68,202$49,185*0.59
Empire State UniversitySaratoga Springs$7,630$62,409*$44,964$12,500*0.20
Davenport UniversityGrand Rapids$23,324$49,530*$48,012$31,338*0.63
Indiana Wesleyan University-MarionMarion$31,168$49,463*$54,966$25,149*0.51
Indiana Wesleyan University-National & GlobalMarion$8,216$49,463*$54,966$25,149*0.51
National Medianβ€”$36,591*β€”$13,437*0.37
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates

Sales Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.

$138,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Industrial Production Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the work activities and resources necessary for manufacturing products in accordance with cost, quality, and quantity specifications.

$121,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Quality Control Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate quality assurance programs. Formulate quality control policies and control quality of laboratory and production efforts.

$121,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Geothermal Production Managers

Manage operations at geothermal power generation facilities. Maintain and monitor geothermal plant equipment for efficient and safe plant operations.

$121,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels Production Managers

Manage biofuels production and plant operations. Collect and process information on plant production and performance, diagnose problems, and design corrective procedures.

$121,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biomass Power Plant Managers

Manage operations at biomass power generation facilities. Direct work activities at plant, including supervision of operations and maintenance staff.

$121,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Hydroelectric Production Managers

Manage operations at hydroelectric power generation facilities. Maintain and monitor hydroelectric plant equipment for efficient and safe plant operations.

$121,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Construction Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate, usually through subordinate supervisory personnel, activities concerned with the construction and maintenance of structures, facilities, and systems. Participate in the conceptual development of a construction project and oversee its organization, scheduling, budgeting, and implementation. Includes managers in specialized construction fields, such as carpentry or plumbing.

$106,980/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Administrative Services Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate one or more administrative services of an organization, such as records and information management, mail distribution, and other office support services.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Facilities Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate operations and functionalities of facilities and buildings. May include surrounding grounds or multiple facilities of an organization's campus.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Security Managers

Direct an organization's security functions, including physical security and safety of employees and facilities.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Executives

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Fort Hays Tech North Central, approximately 20% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 124 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.