Business Administration, Management and Operations at Kalamazoo Valley Community College

This community college business program leaves graduates trailing most of their Michigan peers, ranking in just the 25th percentile statewide. Starting earnings of $29,315 fall roughly $5,500 below Michigan's median for this degree and nearly $5,000 below the national average. When nearby community colleges like Macomb and Lansing produce graduates earning over $43,000—nearly 50% more—the performance gap becomes hard to ignore.

The $14,100 debt load sits right at typical levels, which means the real issue is the earnings side of the equation. While graduates do see 21% income growth by year four, reaching $35,535, they're starting from such a low base that they remain below what peers at stronger programs earn immediately after graduation. For a community college degree that should offer practical workforce preparation, these outcomes suggest the program isn't connecting students to the higher-paying business opportunities available in Michigan's economy.

For families considering this program, the comparison to other Michigan community colleges matters most. Unless there are compelling reasons to stay local—like family obligations or specific transfer agreements—looking at schools like Macomb or Grand Rapids could mean an extra $14,000 annually in starting salary for similar or lower debt. That's the difference between financial strain and stability in those crucial first years after graduation.