Business/Commerce at Frederick Community College

Frederick Community College's business associate degree comes with remarkably low debt—just $7,062, which puts it in the 95th percentile nationally for affordability. That's roughly half what Maryland students typically borrow for this program and about $6,000 less than the national median. With starting earnings of $33,619, graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.21, meaning they could theoretically pay off their loans in under three months of gross income.

The earnings trajectory is solid, climbing 28% to $42,863 by year four. However, these figures lag behind Maryland's median ($36,801) and most competing programs in the state. Hagerstown Community College graduates, for instance, earn 25% more right out of the gate. That said, the small sample size here—fewer than 30 graduates—means these numbers could shift significantly with more data.

For a student prioritizing minimal debt while staying local in Frederick, this program delivers exactly that: affordable training that opens doors without financial burden. But if maximizing earning potential is the goal, other Maryland community colleges appear to offer better returns on the same two-year investment. The low debt makes this a relatively low-risk choice, though not necessarily the highest reward among state options.