Business Administration, Management and Operations at Herzing University-Akron

Herzing University-Akron's Business Administration associate degree produces graduates earning $30,536 in their first year—well below both Ohio's median of $37,121 and the national benchmark. More concerning, this places graduates in the 25th percentile among Ohio programs, meaning three-quarters of comparable programs in the state deliver better outcomes. Students at community colleges like Sinclair and Cincinnati State earn $45,000+ right out of the gate, a $15,000 annual advantage that compounds quickly.

The debt burden makes this gap even more problematic. At nearly $39,000, graduates owe almost triple the national median for this degree and more than double what Ohio students typically carry. That means the typical graduate needs more than a full year's salary just to cover their debt—a challenging position when starting salaries lag state averages by $6,500. While 78% of students receive Pell grants, suggesting the school serves a population that needs financial aid, the high debt load works against these students' economic mobility.

Earnings do grow 22% by year four, but even that trajectory leaves graduates at $37,295—still below where many Ohio programs start. For an anxious parent in Ohio, the numbers suggest looking first at community colleges or state universities where business graduates typically earn 30-50% more with a fraction of the debt.