Business Administration, Management and Operations at Lackawanna College

Lackawanna College's business administration associate's program produces earnings that trail most Pennsylvania competitors, landing in the 40th percentile statewide. While graduates start at $32,815 and reach $36,772 after four years—showing healthy 12% growth—that's still notably below what students earn from nearby community colleges like Reading Area CC ($44,544) or Harrisburg Area CC ($37,584). In a state where half of similar programs deliver stronger outcomes, the $17,500 debt load becomes harder to justify, even though it's close to Pennsylvania's typical debt for this credential.

The numbers suggest a longer payback timeline than you'd find elsewhere. At a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53, graduates carry more than half their first year's salary in loans—manageable but not ideal when other Pennsylvania schools offer the same degree with better earning potential for similar debt. With 58% of Lackawanna students receiving Pell grants, many families here are counting on quick returns from this two-year investment.

The small sample size adds uncertainty to these figures, but the pattern is clear enough: this program underperforms its in-state peers. If your child is set on Lackawanna for location or other reasons, understand they'll likely need several years to catch up financially to what they could have earned starting at a stronger Pennsylvania community college program. For families prioritizing return on investment, the state offers demonstrably better options for the same credential.