Business Administration, Management and Operations at Front Range Community College

Front Range Community College's business certificate starts strong—graduates earn $41,596 in their first year, beating both national and Colorado medians for this credential. At the 60th percentile statewide, it's a solid choice among Colorado's 19 programs, though it trails University of Colorado Denver's certificate program significantly. The $13,000 in debt is manageable, representing just 31% of first-year earnings.

The concerning pattern emerges in year four, when earnings drop to $36,655—a 12% decline that reverses the typical career trajectory. This backward slide could reflect graduates using the certificate as a stepping stone (perhaps moving into lower-paying roles while pursuing further education) or temporary credential holders who return to previous careers. Either way, it complicates the return-on-investment calculation. While the debt remains reasonable, you're essentially paying for a credential that delivers its best earnings immediately rather than building over time.

For a student seeking quick entry into business roles or planning to stack credentials, the low debt and decent starting salary make sense. But if your child expects this certificate to launch a steadily growing career on its own, the earnings trajectory suggests tempering those expectations. The value here is in the immediate boost and affordable cost—not long-term earning power.