Business Administration, Management and Operations at Jackson College

At under $30,000 first-year earnings, Jackson College's business associate degree falls about $5,000 short of what similar Michigan programs deliver. That gap matters: while nearby community colleges like Macomb and Lansing see their graduates earning over $43,000, Jackson's program sits at the 40th percentile statewide—meaning 60% of Michigan business associate programs produce better initial earnings. Nationally, the picture is similarly underwhelming at the 29th percentile.

The debt load of $11,393 is actually reasonable in isolation, creating a manageable 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratio. However, this relative advantage comes partly from the low earnings themselves. The fundamental issue isn't crushing debt—it's that graduates aren't accessing the higher-paying business roles that other Michigan community colleges seem to connect their students with. Whether that reflects differences in employer networks, curriculum focus, or regional job markets in Jackson versus metropolitan areas isn't clear from the data alone.

For families considering this program, the question is whether Jackson's convenience or cost advantages outweigh a potential $13,000 earnings gap compared to top-performing Michigan community colleges. If relocating to attend a Lansing or Grand Rapids CC is feasible, the data suggests that investment could pay off quickly. If Jackson is the only realistic option, students should enter with eyes open about supplementing their degree with internships or certifications that might bridge the earnings gap.