Est. Earnings (1yr)
$35,788
Est. from KY median (11 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$14,878
Est. from KY median (10 programs)

Analysis

Similar associate-level business programs in Kentucky suggest first-year earnings around $35,788, with estimated debt of roughly $14,878β€”figures 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 annuallyβ€”differences 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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Henderson Community Collegeβ€”$31,758β€”
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†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Henderson Community CollegeHenderson$4,656$35,788*$31,758$14,878*β€”
Gateway Community and Technical CollegeFlorence$4,656$43,658*$43,418$13,393*0.31
Elizabethtown Community and Technical CollegeElizabethtown$4,656$39,002*$35,513$16,255*0.42
Owensboro Community and Technical CollegeOwensboro$4,656$38,878*β€”$8,790*0.23
Jefferson Community and Technical CollegeLouisville$4,706$38,361*$35,173$20,037*0.52
Bluegrass Community and Technical CollegeLexington$4,706$37,319*$37,472$13,500*0.36
National Medianβ€”$33,977*β€”$13,980*0.41
* 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 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.