Business/Commerce at Glendale Community College

A debt load estimated at $11,000 positions this program well below both the state median ($20,209) and national median ($13,437) for business associate's degrees, while projected first-year earnings of $36,591 align closely with national benchmarks. That 0.30 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable repayment—roughly 30 cents of debt for every dollar earned in the first year. However, these figures come from comparable programs nationwide rather than Glendale's actual graduate outcomes, so there's inherent uncertainty about what this specific cohort will experience.

Arizona's business associate's programs show considerable variation. Programs with reported data range from Pima Community College's $31,107 to DeVry's $43,716, reminding us that not all business credentials produce equivalent returns. Community colleges typically serve students seeking affordable pathways into entry-level business roles or preparation for bachelor's completion, and the estimated debt here reflects that accessibility mission—particularly meaningful for the 26% of students receiving Pell grants.

The fundamentals look sound: relatively low estimated debt paired with earnings that should make repayment feasible. But recognize you're making this decision without school-specific graduate outcomes. If your student plans to transfer to a four-year program, this associate's degree primarily serves as a stepping stone, making that modest debt figure the most relevant number. If they plan to enter the workforce immediately, investigate typical entry-level business positions in the Phoenix metro area to verify whether $36,000 reflects realistic starting points.