Analysis
Fox College's business operations program punches well above its weight nationally—graduates earn $34,923 in their first year, placing them at the 95th percentile compared to the 778 associate's programs in this field nationwide. That's roughly $6,000 more than the typical graduate from these programs earns, suggesting Fox has strong employer connections or curriculum alignment with higher-paying roles in the Chicago area market.
The estimated $20,000 in debt (based on the school's other associate's programs) translates to a 0.57 debt-to-earnings ratio, which is manageable territory. However, the 4% earnings growth over four years is concerning—it suggests graduates may be landing in roles with limited advancement potential, even if the starting pay is solid. Within Illinois, the program sits at the median, which makes sense given the state's higher cost of living and competitive business services market around Chicago.
For parents of students who need a two-year credential with quick workforce entry, this program delivers strong starting earnings relative to the debt load. The real question is whether those initial roles provide pathways to higher earnings, since the flat growth curve suggests many graduates may need additional credentials or strategic job changes to continue moving up. The strong first-year placement makes this a reasonable investment if your child has clear career goals and plans for how to advance beyond entry-level positions.
Where Fox College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business operations support and assistant services associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Fox College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fox College | $34,923 | $36,377 | +4% |
| Northwood Technical College | $27,494 | $37,335 | +36% |
| Trinity Valley Community College | $34,123 | $35,624 | +4% |
| San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield | $28,691 | $34,804 | +21% |
| San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia | $28,691 | $34,804 | +21% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Business Operations Support and Assistant Services associates's programs at top institutions nationally
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $17,190 | $34,923 | $36,377 | $20,000* | — | |
| $2,736 | $46,821 | — | —* | — | |
| $4,724 | $36,178 | $34,537 | $22,650* | 0.63 | |
| $5,714 | $35,687 | $29,071 | $22,300* | 0.62 | |
| $5,639 | $35,672 | $27,956 | $31,500* | 0.88 | |
| $2,040 | $35,300 | — | $37,503* | 1.06 | |
| National Median | — | $28,691 | — | $20,000* | 0.70 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business operations support and assistant services graduates
Procurement Clerks
Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks
Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive
Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks
Correspondence Clerks
File Clerks
Order Clerks
Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping
Office Clerks, General
Customer Service Representatives
Receptionists and Information Clerks
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 Fox College, approximately 46% 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.