Est. Earnings (1yr)
$37,927
Est. from TX median (6 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$15,250
Est. from TX median (8 programs)

Analysis

A certificate in business management from Grayson College comes with estimated debt of $15,250—slightly above what comparable Texas programs typically charge—for first-year earnings that peer programs suggest will land around $37,900. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 sits in reasonable territory, meaning graduates from similar programs generally earn enough to manage their debt load without immediate financial strain. However, this positions Grayson near the middle of the Texas pack, well behind programs at Dallas College or University of Phoenix-Texas that produce first-year earnings in the mid-to-high $40,000s.

The challenge with a business certificate is understanding what doors it actually opens. Similar programs in Texas show considerable variation in outcomes, suggesting that factors beyond the credential itself—internship connections, local job markets, prior work experience—play outsized roles in graduate success. For students using this as a stepping stone into the workforce or adding credentials while working, the modest debt load makes sense. But if your child is starting from scratch with limited professional networks, the certificate alone may not provide enough differentiation in a crowded field.

The practical takeaway: this appears financially manageable based on what peer programs deliver, but the considerable variation among Texas business certificate programs means you'll want to understand Grayson's specific employer relationships and job placement support before committing. The numbers work if the program leads somewhere concrete.

Where Grayson 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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Grayson CollegeDenison$2,910$37,927*—$15,250*—
University of Phoenix-TexasDallas—$48,528*$65,468$12,928*0.27
Dallas CollegeDallas$2,370$46,874*$43,895$17,452*0.37
Tarrant County College DistrictFort Worth$1,728$38,168*$45,853$16,000*0.42
Lone Star College SystemThe Woodlands$3,090$37,686*$39,226$10,015*0.27
Amarillo CollegeAmarillo$2,136$34,489*—$17,500*0.51
National Median—$39,085*—$14,699*0.38
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with business administration, management and operations graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Water Resource Specialists

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Compensation and Benefits Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.

$140,360/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Human Resources Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.

$140,030/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Sales Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.

$138,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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 Grayson College, approximately 31% 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.