Business Administration, Management and Operations at J Sargeant Reynolds Community College

J Sargeant Reynolds' associate's in business management starts below the curve but shows something more important than initial earnings: substantial upward momentum. At $32,111 in year one, graduates earn slightly less than both Virginia and national peers. But the 29% earnings jump to $41,257 by year four tells a different story—this program appears to provide foundational skills that translate into meaningful wage growth, even if entry-level positions don't immediately reflect that value.

The debt picture is actually quite reasonable. At $10,500, graduates owe about $1,400 less than the state median and $3,500 less than the national benchmark. That lower debt burden matters when your starting salary is below average—it means graduates have more breathing room while building their careers. The 0.33 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable by community college standards.

Here's the practical reality: if your child enrolls here, they should expect to start at a salary level that requires discipline around that student debt. But programs like those at Piedmont Virginia or Virginia Peninsula do produce higher starting salaries in the same field, and it's worth comparing why—proximity to stronger job markets or different curriculum emphases might explain the gap. Reynolds serves its purpose as an affordable entry point into business careers, particularly if your student plans to work their way up within an organization. Just don't expect the degree alone to command premium starting wages in Richmond's competitive market.