Business Administration, Management and Operations at Green River College

With first-year earnings around $35,000 and debt near $16,000, this associate's degree in business administration lands squarely at Washington's median for similar programs—which means thoroughly unremarkable in a crowded field. While the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 suggests graduates could manage their loans, the comparison to nearby programs reveals significant disparity: Columbia Basin College's business graduates earn about $7,000 more annually, while Tacoma Community College sits $15,000 lower. Green River's position in the middle offers neither the standout value of top performers nor the warning signs of bottom-tier programs.

The challenge here is the combination of modest earnings and limited actual data for this specific program. Similar business programs across Washington produce wildly different outcomes—from barely $20,000 to over $42,000—making the field itself unpredictable rather than the school necessarily problematic. An associate's in business administration is often a stepping stone rather than a destination degree, so these first-year numbers may understate long-term potential if graduates continue their education or work their way up.

For families weighing this investment, the key question is whether your student plans to transfer for a bachelor's or enter the workforce immediately. At typical community college costs, $16,000 in debt for median-level earnings is manageable but won't deliver quick financial returns. If four-year plans are in the picture, Green River could work as an affordable start—just know you're betting on average outcomes in a field where location and employer connections make enormous differences.