Business Administration, Management and Operations at Fox Valley Technical College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
fvtc.eduAnalysis
This certificate program shows encouraging signals, though the figures come from comparable business programs across Wisconsin rather than Fox Valley's specific outcomes. The estimated debt of $13,300 sits below the national median, while projected first-year earnings of $41,118 match Wisconsin's typical performance—placing this program squarely in the middle of the state's technical college offerings for business certificates.
That 0.32 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable repayment: graduates would owe roughly one-third of their first year's salary, which is reasonable for a credential designed to be a quick entry point into business roles. Peer programs in Wisconsin show considerable variation, with some technical colleges producing graduates earning $60,000+ while others cluster around $40,000, indicating that outcomes likely depend heavily on local employment markets and specific job placements after completion.
For parents evaluating this investment, the key question is whether a business certificate aligns with concrete job opportunities in the Appleton area. The relatively low debt burden means there's limited downside if your student needs to pivot, but the estimated earnings suggest this works best as a stepping stone—either into immediate employment with room to advance, or as a foundation for further education. Without Fox Valley's actual graduate data, you're betting on the school matching its Wisconsin peers' performance, which appears solid but unspectacular.
Where Fox Valley Technical College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations certificate's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
Business Administration, Management and Operations certificate's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (26 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,916 | $41,118* | — | $13,300* | — | |
| $3,861 | $60,405* | $39,431 | $9,840* | 0.16 | |
| $4,716 | $41,118* | — | $17,054* | 0.41 | |
| $4,853 | $40,426* | — | $13,378* | 0.33 | |
| National Median | — | $39,085* | — | $14,699* | 0.38 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business administration, management and operations graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Human Resources Managers
Sales Managers
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 Valley Technical College, approximately 12% 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 median of 3 similar programs in WI. Actual outcomes may vary.