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 groundβit'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
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $7,208 | $36,591* | β | $11,000* | β | |
| $38,400 | $83,571* | $68,202 | $49,185* | 0.59 | |
| $7,630 | $62,409* | $44,964 | $12,500* | 0.20 | |
| $23,324 | $49,530* | $48,012 | $31,338* | 0.63 | |
| $31,168 | $49,463* | $54,966 | $25,149* | 0.51 | |
| $8,216 | $49,463* | $54,966 | $25,149* | 0.51 | |
| National Median | β | $36,591* | β | $13,437* | 0.37 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates
Sales Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Construction Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Chief Executives
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.