Business Administration, Management and Operations at Henderson Community College
Associate's Degree
henderson.kctcs.eduAnalysis
Similar associate-level business programs in Kentucky suggest first-year earnings around $35,788, with estimated debt of roughly $14,878βfigures that align closely with national norms. That 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio looks manageable on paper, the kind of number that suggests graduates could realistically pay down loans without major strain. But here's what should concern you: Henderson's actual reported earnings four years out are $31,758, lower than the estimated first-year figure. That backward trajectory is unusual and raises questions about whether this program connects graduates to advancing careers or more stagnant employment paths.
Compare that to other Kentucky community colleges with reported data, where business graduates at Gateway earn $43,658 and even smaller programs like Owensboro hit nearly $39,000. Henderson's outcomes lag behind these peers by $7,000 to $12,000 annuallyβdifferences that compound significantly over a career. The small graduate sample that triggered data suppression here means we're working with limited visibility into what this specific program actually delivers.
The practical takeaway: Henderson's estimated debt load won't crush your child financially, but the four-year earnings data suggests this program may not be building the momentum you'd expect from a business degree. If your child is set on Henderson for location or cost reasons, insist on understanding where recent graduates actually work and whether the program offers internships or employer connections that could counter the weaker earnings trend.
Where Henderson Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations associates's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Henderson Community College | β | $31,758 | β |
| Sullivan University | $35,788 | $47,083 | +32% |
| Gateway Community and Technical College | $43,658 | $43,418 | -1% |
| Bluegrass Community and Technical College | $37,319 | $37,472 | +0% |
| Elizabethtown Community and Technical College | $39,002 | $35,513 | -9% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky
Business Administration, Management and Operations associates's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (25 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,656 | $35,788* | $31,758 | $14,878* | β | |
| $4,656 | $43,658* | $43,418 | $13,393* | 0.31 | |
| $4,656 | $39,002* | $35,513 | $16,255* | 0.42 | |
| $4,656 | $38,878* | β | $8,790* | 0.23 | |
| $4,706 | $38,361* | $35,173 | $20,037* | 0.52 | |
| $4,706 | $37,319* | $37,472 | $13,500* | 0.36 | |
| National Median | β | $33,977* | β | $13,980* | 0.41 |
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 Henderson Community College, approximately 33% 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 11 similar programs in KY. Actual outcomes may vary.