Business Administration, Management and Operations at Galveston College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
gc.eduAnalysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 suggests a manageable financial picture for this certificate program, though the numbers deserve scrutiny since they're drawn from peer institutions rather than Galveston College's own graduates. Similar business certificate programs across Texas typically produce first-year earnings around $38,000, which aligns with what comparable programs report nationally. The estimated $15,250 in debt sits slightly above the state and national medians for this credential, meaning students here might be borrowing marginally more than their counterparts elsewhere.
The challenge is knowing whether Galveston College performs closer to programs like Dallas College, where graduates earn nearly $47,000, or Amarillo College, where they earn around $34,500. That $13,000 spread makes a significant difference when you're carrying $15,000 in loans. With 42% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are counting on this certificate to deliver immediate financial returns. The estimated figures suggest the program could work financially if outcomes land near the Texas median, but there's real uncertainty about where this specific program falls within that range.
Given the limited data, families should treat this as a moderate-risk investment. The debt level is reasonable for a certificate, but you're making decisions without visibility into how Galveston College's particular graduates fare. Before committing, request job placement rates and employer partnerships directly from the college—concrete employment connections matter more than estimated earnings when the actual outcomes remain unknown.
Where Galveston College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations certificate's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Business Administration, Management and Operations certificate's programs at peer institutions in Texas (54 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,546 | $37,927* | — | $15,250* | — | |
| — | $48,528* | $65,468 | $12,928* | 0.27 | |
| $2,370 | $46,874* | $43,895 | $17,452* | 0.37 | |
| $1,728 | $38,168* | $45,853 | $16,000* | 0.42 | |
| $3,090 | $37,686* | $39,226 | $10,015* | 0.27 | |
| $2,136 | $34,489* | — | $17,500* | 0.51 | |
| 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 Galveston College, approximately 42% 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 6 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.